150 Disability Benefit Claimants in Arun – Facing Delays in Universal Credit Transfer

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) provides financial aid to people who cannot work due to a disability or health condition. However, ESA is one of the legacy benefits being phased out, with all claimants expected to transition to Universal Credit by March 2026.

While the government is accelerating this migration process, concerns are growing that many ESA recipients—who often face additional challenges due to disabilities or health conditions—are struggling with the transition.

Migration Process

Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlights significant delays in the transfer of ESA claimants to Universal Credit.

• As of December 2023, 321 ESA claimants in Arun had received a migration notice.
• Of these, 146 people (45%) were still waiting to be transferred to Universal Credit.
• ESA claimants made up just 12% of all migration notices but accounted for 53% of all benefit claimants still waiting for transfer.

This suggests that people on ESA are facing longer delays and more complications compared to other benefit claimants.

Changes

Initially, ESA claimants were supposed to remain on their current benefits until 2028-29, but the government brought the migration process forward to September 2023.

Now, all ESA claimants will receive a migration notice by December 2025, with legacy benefits ending by March 2026.

Challenges

David Samson, a benefit expert at the charity Turn2us, has warned that many ESA recipients are struggling with the transition due to their complex health conditions and disabilities.

He explained:
“Moving to Universal Credit isn’t just a tick-box exercise for them. It’s a huge change that could put their financial security at risk if they don’t get the right support.”

Key concerns include:

• Confusing application process – Some ESA claimants find it difficult to navigate the Universal Credit system.
• Delays in processing claims – Many ESA claimants have been left waiting for months after receiving migration notices.
• Lack of one-on-one support – People with disabilities may need additional help to make a successful claim.
• Risk of losing financial support – Some ESA claimants worry that moving to Universal Credit could reduce their payments or leave them without support during the transition.

Calls for Better Support

Samson welcomed the DWP’s enhanced support journey for ESA claimants but said it’s too early to know if it’s effective. He emphasized the need for:

• Clearer information to help ESA claimants understand their rights and the migration process.
• One-to-one assistance for people with disabilities who struggle to apply.
• Flexibility to give claimants more time if they face challenges with the application.

With the migration process speeding up, charities and campaigners are urging the government to ensure no one falls through the cracks. If ESA claimants are not given the right support, thousands could face serious financial hardship.

ESA Claimants

If you receive ESA and have been notified about moving to Universal Credit, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check your migration notice – Read the details carefully to know deadlines and requirements.
2. Seek advice – Contact charities like Turn2us, Citizens Advice, or Disability Rights UK for help.
3. Apply as soon as possible – Delays could lead to gaps in your payments.
4. Request extra support if needed – If you are struggling with the application, ask the DWP for additional assistance.
5. Stay updated – Monitor announcements from the government and benefit support organizations.

The transition to Universal Credit is a major shift for ESA claimants, and while the government has promised enhanced support, many are still waiting for assistance.

As migration speeds up, it remains critical that vulnerable claimants receive the help they need to avoid financial hardship.

FAQs