The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a critical warning to hundreds of thousands of benefit claimants across the UK.
As part of the government’s managed migration to Universal Credit, around 400,000 people currently receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are being urged to check their mail carefully. Ignoring these important letters could result in losing their benefits entirely.
Understanding the DWP’s Managed Migration to Universal Credit
The managed migration process officially began in July 2022 following a successful pilot in July 2019. The goal is to transition claimants from older “legacy benefits” to the newer Universal Credit system.
Which Benefits Are Being Replaced?
The DWP has already closed new claims for these four legacy benefits:
- Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Housing Benefit
Now, the focus is shifting to individuals still receiving income-related ESA, particularly those not already receiving Child Tax Credit.
What Happens After Receiving a Migration Letter?
Upon receiving a migration notice, claimants have up to three months to act. During this period, they must submit a claim for Universal Credit to avoid disruptions.
Failure to act within the timeframe outlined could result in:
- Termination of current benefit payments
- Potential financial hardship
As per the latest data:
- 355,940 individuals have already lost their benefits after failing to act on their migration notices.
- 1.1 million individuals have made successful Universal Credit claims.
- 174,576 individuals are currently transitioning.
Key Timeline for ESA Claimants
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Start of Managed Migration | July 2022 |
| ESA Migration Ramp-Up | Early 2025 |
| Migration Letters Sent Monthly | 83,000 notices |
| Final Deadline for Migration | March 2026 |
| All ESA Claimants Contacted By | September 2025 |
Why Acting Quickly Is Essential
Between July 2022 and December 2024, nearly 1.6 million migration notices were sent. Unfortunately, a significant number of claimants failed to respond, resulting in a loss of vital financial support.
Given the ramped-up pace—83,000 letters sent monthly—the DWP aims to have contacted all remaining ESA claimants well before the March 2026 deadline. Beneficiaries must act swiftly to protect their entitlements.
Help Available for Moving to Universal Credit
Transitioning to a new system can be daunting, but multiple resources are available to assist:
- Jobcentre Plus: Find your nearest Jobcentre at find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk.
- Help to Claim (Citizens Advice Service): Free assistance with submitting your Universal Credit claim.
- Benefit Calculators: Online tools to estimate your new payment under Universal Credit.
Immediate action is recommended upon receiving a migration notice to ensure a smooth transition without financial gaps.
The DWP’s latest managed migration efforts highlight a major shift in how social benefits are administered. With 400,000 ESA recipients still needing to make the move, time is running short.
Missing a migration letter could mean the loss of crucial financial support. All beneficiaries must stay vigilant, read incoming letters carefully, and seek help immediately if needed to ensure continued access to benefits under the Universal Credit system.
FAQs
What happens if I ignore my migration notice?
Failure to respond within three months could result in losing current benefits without further notice.
Can I get help if I don’t understand how to claim Universal Credit?
Yes, Citizens Advice offers a Help to Claim service that can guide you through the process for free.
Are all ESA recipients required to migrate to Universal Credit?
Eventually, yes. The goal is to transition all legacy ESA claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026.