DWP to Halt ESA Payments for 1.3 Million People from March
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will cease payments for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) starting in March, impacting over 1.3 million claimants across the UK. This move marks a significant milestone in the government's ongoing overhaul of the welfare system, as ESA becomes the final legacy benefit to be phased out.
What is ESA and Who is Affected?
Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit designed to support individuals with disabilities or health conditions that limit their ability to work. It has been a crucial financial lifeline for many, but the DWP confirms that no further payments will be made beyond March as part of this major welfare shake-up.
Claimants must take immediate action to avoid losing their benefits entirely. The transition to Universal Credit is not automatic; individuals need to apply for the new benefit themselves. Those affected should have already received a migration notice by post, detailing the necessary steps and providing a three-month window to complete the application process.
Rolling Benefits into Universal Credit
The phasing out of ESA, both as a standalone benefit and when combined with Housing Benefit, completes a process that began years ago under Conservative governments. This consolidation aims to simplify the benefit system by integrating various legacy payments into Universal Credit (UC).
Officials emphasize that this change is intended to create a more streamlined and efficient welfare structure. However, it places the onus on claimants to ensure they successfully migrate to UC to continue receiving support.
Key Steps for Claimants
- Check for a migration notice from the DWP, which outlines the application requirements.
- Apply for Universal Credit within the three-month deadline provided.
- Seek assistance from local support services if needed to navigate the transition.
- Stay informed about updates from the DWP to avoid any disruptions in benefit payments.
This development underscores the broader shifts in the UK's welfare landscape, as the government continues to implement reforms aimed at modernizing the system. Claimants are urged to act promptly to secure their financial support through Universal Credit.
