The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is ramping up efforts to transfer claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, with major changes set to impact thousands in 2024. Those on older benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income Support will need to act quickly to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
As part of the government’s welfare reform, the transition, known as “managed migration,” aims to simplify the benefits process and ensure households receive the correct level of support. While the DWP has promised additional help for vulnerable claimants, the process has raised concerns about the potential for disruption, especially for those already struggling with health issues or financial difficulties.
This migration plan affects some of the most vulnerable groups in the UK, making it essential for claimants to understand the changes and take timely action. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and the support available.
How the Migration Process Will Work
The DWP has outlined a phased approach for transferring claimants to Universal Credit, focusing first on those receiving ESA, Income Support, or Housing Benefit. From February 2024, the pace of migration will increase, with 63,000 claimants per month receiving migration notices instructing them to apply for Universal Credit within three months. Failure to act by the deadline may result in payments being suspended.
Key Phases of the Universal Credit Migration:
| Phase | Actions |
|---|---|
| November 2023 | Migration notices sent to remaining ESA claimants. |
| February 2024 | Notices ramped up to 63,000 per month. |
| March 2026 | Planned completion of Universal Credit transition. |
The DWP has emphasised that claimants will not see an immediate reduction in their payments due to “transitional protection,” which ensures that Universal Credit payments match their current benefits during the transition.
Support for Vulnerable Claimants
The DWP has acknowledged that the migration process may pose challenges, particularly for those with long-term health issues or disabilities. To address this, the department has introduced an “enhanced support journey” to help vulnerable claimants navigate the process.
The DWP explained:
“As a result of the anticipated higher support needs and vulnerability of some groups that are due to migrate in 2024 to 2025, we have introduced an enhanced support journey for households on Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance.”
This enhanced support includes a series of measures designed to ensure no claimant is left behind:
- Outbound calls to inform claimants about the process and address their concerns.
- Home visits for claimants who cannot be reached through other means.
- System checks to determine additional needs or barriers to migration.
For ESA claimants, the process includes automatic referrals for home visits, with the DWP making two attempts to visit the claimant’s address. Extensions are also granted to ensure enough time for support measures to take place.
What Claimants Should Do Next
If you are receiving ESA, Income Support, or another legacy benefit, it’s crucial to act promptly upon receiving a migration notice. The DWP has reassured claimants that comprehensive support is available to make the switch as smooth as possible.
Steps to take if you receive a migration notice:
- Read the Notice Carefully: Understand the timeline and requirements outlined in the letter.
- Contact Support Services: Use the DWP helpline or local organisations for guidance.
- Submit Your Universal Credit Application: Ensure you meet the three-month deadline to avoid payment interruptions.
- Prepare for Transitional Protection: Be aware that your payments will be adjusted to match your current benefits during the migration.
Claimants experiencing difficulties are encouraged to reach out to support organisations or the DWP helpline for additional assistance.
Concerns Raised About the Migration
While the DWP has made efforts to ensure a smooth transition, some advocacy groups have raised concerns about the complexity of the migration process and its potential impact on vulnerable claimants. Critics argue that the reliance on timely responses and the possibility of payment suspensions could disproportionately affect those with limited access to resources or support networks.
The DWP has defended its approach, stating:
“All those on Employment and Support Allowance were referred for a home visit. A household would then be notified by text message that they were being referred for a home visit. The household is then referred to the home visit team where they make two attempts to visit the customer’s address. An extension is applied to allow time for the visit to take place.”
While these measures aim to prevent claimants from losing access to their benefits, the effectiveness of these interventions will depend on timely communication and adequate support.
