The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that it is to increase the number of migration notices issued to households receiving income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only, and ESA with Housing Benefit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is ramping up its Universal Credit migration from next week, with households claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and ESA with Housing Benefit being told to move over to the newer benefits system. Amid a sped-up timetable, 60,000 notices will be sent from February through to the end of the year.
The DWP claims this surge will transition more individuals into a contemporary benefits system, aiding them in job searches and employment transitions. Moreover, the DWP is chasing some claimants to make the switch, stating: “In addition, we are focusing on supporting those households who received a migration notice in 2024 and are yet to make the move, particularly before Tax Credits close on 5 April 2025.”
Previously, the last batch of Migration Notices was dispatched in October, providing Tax Credits claimants with a three-month heads-up to apply for Universal Credit before their current benefits cease. Tax Credits recipients who haven’t switched to Universal Credit must act swiftly to avoid payment disruptions in April, as the shift isn’t automatic and their financial support could stop.
The DWP has also unveiled a £15 million funding increase for the Help to Claim initiative, aiming to assist over 800,000 people transitioning from ESA to Universal Credit by March 2026, two years ahead of the original schedule. This financial boost is set to enhance the complimentary, impartial advice provided by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, which have already aided over a million individuals in applying for Universal Credit since the service’s inception in 2019.
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms MP, has announced a significant funding increase to aid individuals transitioning from old benefits to Universal Credit, reports the Daily Record. He stated: “This funding boost will support many people as they make the move from old benefits to Universal Credit – ensuring customers feel confident and informed throughout the application process.”
He also urged prompt action, saying, “I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement.” He also highlighted comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing employment support, detailing plans to revamp Jobcentres, address inactivity with local initiatives, and implement a Youth Guarantee.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Over the last five years our specially trained advisers have supported thousands of people across Britain to navigate the move from old benefits to Universal Credit.
“We make our service as accessible as possible, offering phone, chat and British Sign Language options, so we’re there for people as they move over. This funding boost is credit to the vital support our advisers provide and means we’ll be able to help even more people make their first application.”
The Help to Claim advisers are dedicated to assisting new Universal Credit claimants, including those shifting from legacy benefits, guiding them through the process up to their first correct payment. They provide advice on how Universal Credit operates, potential payment amounts, gathering necessary evidence, and completing the application process.
The £240m Get Britain Working White Paper includes funding for the rollout of ‘trailblazers’ in local areas. These trailblazers aim to reach individuals who are typically out of touch with the system, while ensuring work and skills support is better integrated with the health service.
The White Paper will develop:
- A new jobs and careers service to help get more people into work, and get on in their work, by linking jobseekers with employers, with an increased focus on skills and careers
- Joined-up work, health and skills plans to tackle economic inactivity and boost employment, led by Mayors and local areas
- A new Youth Guarantee so that every young person is given the opportunity to earn or learn.
Full details about the managed migration process from legacy benefits to Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK here.
