New government data reveals that 93,000 people on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), many of whom have disabilities or long-term health conditions, have yet to migrate to universal credit. These individuals face the risk of losing their benefits entirely if they do not act soon.
Anti-poverty charities are raising concerns, warning that this delay puts some of the most vulnerable people in the UK “on the precipice” of financial hardship.
With all legacy benefits set to end by March 31, 2026, claimants must move to universal credit to continue receiving financial support.
Universal Credit
When a benefit claimant receives a migration notice, they typically have three months to transfer their claim before their ESA payments stop completely.
Despite government promises of “enhanced support”, the new figures suggest that these efforts are not reaching everyone. Alison Garnham, CEO of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), has called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to do more to help these individuals successfully claim universal credit rather than just directing them to a helpline.
ESA
The UK government has been gradually replacing older benefits, known as legacy benefits, with universal credit since 2013. ESA is part of the final phase of this transition.
Benefits
| Legacy Benefit | End Date |
|---|---|
| ESA (with or without housing benefit) | Ongoing migration |
| Working tax credit | April 5, 2025 |
| Child tax credit | April 5, 2025 |
| Income support | Expected in 2025 |
| Income-based jobseeker’s allowance | Expected in 2025 |
| Housing benefit for working-age people | Expected in 2025 |
All legacy benefits will end by March 31, 2026.
While the government argues that universal credit simplifies the welfare system, charities and campaigners fear that migrating too quickly could leave vulnerable people without support.
Concerns
The government has faced criticism over the slow rollout of universal credit, which started in 2013 and is only now nearing completion. However, some charities argue that the current “breakneck pace” of migration could be even more dangerous.
- More than 20 charities have previously urged the government to pause managed migration, citing concerns that vulnerable individuals could have their income cut off.
- CPAG has warned that people may not fully understand the migration process and could lose access to essential benefits.
The government has introduced transitional protections, ensuring that no one will be worse off when moving to universal credit unless their circumstances change. However, these protections do not help those who fail to migrate in time.
Claimants
If you receive ESA and have been notified to migrate to universal credit, it’s crucial to act now to avoid losing your benefits.
Steps to Take
- Check your migration notice – Look at the deadline for switching to universal credit.
- Use a benefits calculator – Turn2us provides a free tool to compare what you will receive under universal credit.
- Contact the DWP if you need help – If you cannot complete the process alone, seek assistance before the deadline.
- Apply for universal credit as soon as possible – Delaying could put your payments at risk.
Government Response
A DWP spokesperson stated that universal credit provides support for millions and that no claim will be stopped without multiple attempts to contact the claimant.
However, with nearly 100,000 people still at risk, charities continue to pressure the government to improve its support system to ensure that no one is left behind.
FAQs
Why is ESA being migrated to universal credit?
ESA is part of the final phase of the UK government’s plan to replace all legacy benefits with universal credit by 2026.
What happens if I don’t migrate to universal credit in time?
If you don’t apply within the given timeframe, your ESA payments will stop completely.
What are transitional protections?
They ensure claimants won’t be worse off when moving to universal credit unless their circumstances change.
How can I check how much I’ll get on universal credit?
Use the Turn2us benefits calculator to compare your expected payments.
What should I do if I need help migrating?
Contact the DWP or a support charity before your deadline to ensure a smooth transition.
