UK News
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent call to recipients of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) to apply for Universal Credit as part of a significant overhaul of the UK’s benefits system.
As the DWP phases out ESA—a benefit designed for individuals who cannot work due to sickness or disability—affected claimants will need to proactively apply for Universal Credit. This transition will not occur automatically, and it is imperative that ESA recipients submit their applications without delay.
Many ESA recipients who have disabilities or health conditions also receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which supports individuals facing extra costs due to long-term health conditions. However, PIP will remain unaffected by this change.
The DWP has begun issuing migration notices to ESA claimants, informing them of a three-month window to apply for Universal Credit. Failure to make this transition within the designated timeframe may result in a halt of benefit payments, as reported by Birmingham Live.
This overhaul will see the retirement of six legacy benefits, with Universal Credit replacing:
-Child Tax Credit
-Income Support
-Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
-Housing Benefit
-Working Tax Credit
-Child Tax Credit
PIP is not included in these changes.
Given the approaching festive season, it is crucial for ESA recipients to complete their migration to Universal Credit promptly to avoid any disruptions during the Christmas period.
The Government has advised those receiving migration notices to act swiftly: “If you receive a migration notice letter, you need to move to Universal Credit. As some of your benefits will be ending soon, it is essential to claim Universal Credit by the deadline specified in your letter, which is three months from the date of the notice.”
For further assistance, ESA recipients should refer to the guidance provided in their migration notice and ensure they apply for Universal Credit within the stipulated timeframe to continue receiving financial support.