Next month, the DWP will notify 63,000 benefit claimants to switch to Universal Credit or risk losing their benefits.
London: Thousands of people in the UK who are on certain legacy benefits are in for a big change. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out letters next month. These letters will tell claimants they need to switch to Universal Credit or they could lose their benefits.
This is part of a plan to move everyone from older benefits to Universal Credit. The DWP is speeding things up for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants. In February, they’ll send out 63,000 letters, which is almost double the usual amount.
By the end of this year, all ESA claimants will have been notified to switch over. The last ESA payments will stop in March 2026. If you get a letter from the DWP, it’s crucial to act within three months. Doing so can help you keep your benefits at the same level during the transition.
According to Benefits and Work, this group of ESA claimants is among the most vulnerable. Many may not have been in touch with the DWP for years, so it’s vital they don’t fall through the cracks.
ESA is designed for people who can’t work due to health issues or disabilities. Because of this, those on ESA might need extra help when switching to Universal Credit.
If someone has complex needs, like trouble with technology or health issues, they can ask for more time to make their claim. This request needs to be made before the deadline. Once the DWP knows extra help is needed, they’ll assign a “complex case” coach to assist with the claim.
This support will also be available for those the DWP hasn’t reached yet, those who have been contacted but haven’t claimed, and anyone facing additional challenges. If you’re unsure about how to claim or need assistance, Citizens Advice offers a great Help to Claim service to guide you through the process.
Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, mentioned the ESA migration last year. He emphasized that this funding boost will help many people transition smoothly to Universal Credit, ensuring they feel confident and informed.
He urged anyone receiving a migration notice to act quickly to secure their benefits. These reforms aim to provide better support for people looking to get back to work and improve jobcentre services.
