The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is ramping up the issuance of migration notices to households on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), with or without Housing Benefit. An influx of over 60,000 notices per month is anticipated for ESA recipients from February through to year’s end.
The DWP has expressed that this increase in pace is aimed at transitioning more individuals into a more modern benefits system, which will continue to support their efforts in job seeking and employment. The department also mentioned: “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 existing Tax Credits claimants with a three-month window to apply for Universal Credit before their current benefits cease. It’s crucial for those still on Tax Credits and who haven’t applied for Universal Credit to act swiftly to avoid disruption in payments come April, as the switch isn’t processed automatically.
In a recent update, the DWP announced a significant £15 million funding boost for the Help to Claim service, aiming to assist over 800,000 people transitioning from ESA to Universal Credit by March 2026, two years ahead of the original 2028 target. This financial enhancement is set to bolster the free, independent advice provided by Citizens Advice, which has already aided over a million individuals in applying for Universal Credit since the initiative’s inception in 2019.
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, has announced a significant funding increase aimed at assisting individuals transitioning from legacy 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.
“I want to encourage anyone receiving a migration notice over the coming months to act without delay to secure quick access to benefit entitlement.
“The biggest reforms to employment support for a generation will also ensure more people get the help they need to get into work and on at work, by overhauling Jobcentres, tackling inactivity with local work, health and skills plans, and delivering a Youth Guarantee.”
Help to Claim’s trained advisers are on hand to guide new claimants of Universal Credit, including those moving from an existing benefit, right up to their first correct payment. These advisers provide essential information on how Universal Credit operates, potential payment amounts, gathering necessary evidence, and aiding with the completion of applications.
Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, commented on the impact of the service: “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 £240m from the Get Britain Working White Paper includes funds for the introduction of ‘trailblazers’ in various localities. These trailblazers are set up to engage individuals who usually do not interact with the system and to ensure that job and skills support is better coordinated with health services.
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.