The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is pushing ahead with plans to scrap old-style legacy benefits and force claimants onto Universal Credit, a move that campaigners warn is already causing severe harm to disabled people.
Open Letter Warns of 'High Risk of Destitution'
The National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers (NAWRA) has issued a stark warning in an open letter to the DWP and Debbie Abrahams, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. The group highlights that 3% of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants are failing to migrate safely to the new system, a figure that rises to 6% for those receiving ESA only.
NAWRA states that its members are dealing with cases where the DWP is refusing to extend deadlines and is terminating legacy benefits, even while support is being arranged. The letter expresses grave concern that these individuals face a high risk of destitution, rapid health deterioration, and even death.
Thousands Already Affected as Failure Rate Predicted to Rise
Official statistics reveal the scale of the issue. 17,000 ESA claimants have already had their legacy benefits ended after failing to complete the migration to Universal Credit. The DWP expects this number to exceed 26,000 once the process is fully complete.
Across all legacy benefits, the overall failure-to-migrate rate stands at 17%. While the DWP predicted a lower failure rate for ESA, the 3% figure up to the end of May 2025 still represents thousands of vulnerable individuals losing their financial support.
Campaigners Say DWP Has 'No Plan' for Those Falling Through Net
In its letter, NAWRA acknowledges that the DWP has measures to support vulnerable claimants but argues that too many are slipping through the net. The association is “extremely concerned that the DWP has no plan on how it will support these claimants.”
The group criticises the department's response to stakeholder concerns, noting it often claims it “can only do so much” and that making a safeguarding referral to a local authority fulfils its duty. NAWRA is urging the Work and Pensions Committee to pressure the DWP to implement procedures that prevent further preventable deaths during the migration process.
The forced migration from legacy benefits like ESA, Income Support, and Tax Credits to Universal Credit remains one of the most contentious welfare reforms, with ongoing fears for the safety of those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
