Experts are sounding the alarm for Brits on Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP), instructing them to take “immediate action” as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) kicks off the migration of claimants to Universal Credit.
A spokesperson for from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice issued a stark warning: “People claiming ESA alongside PIP should be on high alert. If you’ve received a letter from the DWP since the start of September, it is vital that you act to make the transition to Universal Credit as soon as possible. Ignoring this could mean having your payments stopped just ahead of Christmas, which could cause serious financial difficulties.”
They further clarified the potential impact of inaction: “The move to Universal Credit will affect those currently claiming six types of support: Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related ESA, and Working Tax Credit. It’s crucial for people on these benefits to pay attention to any letters from the DWP. You have three months from the date of your letter to make a claim, otherwise you could lose your entitlements entirely.
“On Universal Credit, most claimants will receive the same amount or more compared to their previous benefits, but this is not guaranteed. If you are worse off under Universal Credit, you may be entitled to a top-up called transitional protection, which will cover the difference. However, this protection is only available if you respond to the DWP’s Migration Notice in time and make your claim before the deadline. Any changes in circumstances could also impact how much you receive.”
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DWP claimants told ‘act quickly’
The spokesperson urged DWP claimants to ‘act quickly’, stating: “The process of managed migration is already underway, and those affected by the changes need to ensure they act quickly. Failing to respond to the DWP letter within three months risks losing the support you’ve relied on. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner your current payments can be protected under Universal Credit, including any transitional protection that might apply.
“For those worried about a potential reduction in benefits, transitional protection payments will continue until your Universal Credit matches what you were receiving on legacy benefits. However, this only applies if you claim by the deadline and meet the requirements. Acting now will safeguard your finances as you transition to the new system.”
DWP Universal Credit migration explained
The DWP is ending the following benefits and they are being replaced by Universal Credit:
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Tax credits: Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
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Housing Benefit
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will remain the same. To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in a letter that the DWP will send you. This is three months from the date the letter was sent out.
If you cannot claim Universal Credit by the deadline date, you should contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline as soon as possible. You may be able to get more time to make a claim if you have a good reason. You must request this before your deadline date, the DWP said.