The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant update regarding the future of legacy benefits, confirming plans to end Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and move all remaining claimants onto Universal Credit.
The Managed Migration Timeline
This major welfare overhaul is being executed through the government's managed migration system. According to statements made in the Commons, the DWP plans to complete the migration of all ESA claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026.
Labour MP Amanda Martin raised a crucial question, seeking clarity on whether disabled claimants receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and legacy work-related benefits would be treated as new claimants during this transition, potentially facing a reduction in their income.
Protections for Claimants
In response, Sir Stephen Timms provided details on the intended protections. To safeguard claimants who have not yet migrated by April 2026, the DWP intends to mirror the changes made in Universal Credit within the existing ESA rates.
This means that adjustments to the support component and the two disability premia—the severe and enhanced disability premium rates—will reflect changes to the Universal Credit LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity) rates for existing claimants.
Sir Stephen stated that these commensurate measures aim to ensure fair treatment for all customers moving from income-related ESA to Universal Credit, regardless of when their migration occurs.
What Claimants Need to Do
The process for claimants is clear. You will be required to move to Universal Credit when you receive a formal migration notice letter from the DWP. This letter will instruct you to claim Universal Credit by a specific date.
It is vitally important to claim by the deadline stated in the letter to ensure your financial support continues without interruption. If your letter includes a deadline, it is a formal migration notice, and the date given is your 'deadline day'.
If you receive a letter without a specified deadline, it is not a migration notice. In this case, you are not obliged to claim Universal Credit unless you choose to do so. However, once you make a claim for Universal Credit, you will not be able to return to your previous legacy benefits.
