Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has issued an urgent appeal for residents to seek professional guidance after figures revealed that thousands of people in Northern Ireland are at risk of losing their benefits.

Data obtained by the Strangford MLA shows that nearly 13,000 individuals who received a "mandatory migration notice" from the Department for Communities have not yet initiated a claim for Universal Credit. Those currently receiving Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Housing Benefit are among those most vulnerable to financial hardship if they fail to transition before their specific deadlines.

Ms Armstrong highlighted the stress the process can cause: "For many people, this letter can be frightening. Universal Credit is not a simple switch and missing a deadline, even unintentionally, can have serious financial risks. "There are services available to help people understand the process to meet the deadlines and protect their income. No one should have to navigate this alone, and getting advice early can have a significant impact."

The move is part of the "managed migration" process, where legacy benefit claimants are required to move to the Universal Credit system. Failure to complete the application within the three-month window provided in the letter can lead to the immediate cessation of current payments.

Emphasising the need for a more supportive approach, Ms Armstrong added: "Behind these figures are real people being placed in serious financial risk. The system must be fair, accessible and humane and that starts with making sure people have the help they need to move safely onto Universal Credit."

Claimants who have received a migration notice are encouraged to contact local advice centres or the Department's helplines to ensure their income remains protected during the transition.