The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an urgent warning to thousands of benefit claimants across the UK, stating that 'doing nothing isn't an option' as a major welfare change approaches.
What's Happening to ESA Benefits?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the benefit claimed by people with disabilities or health conditions that affect their ability to work, is being completely scrapped from the new year. Households currently receiving ESA are being sent official letters known as migration notices informing them they have just three months to apply for Universal Credit.
The final round of these crucial letters was sent out during September, meaning affected claimants must complete the switchover process before the end of December. While ESA payments will officially cease beyond March 2026, individual payments will stop depending on when each person received their migration notice.
The Switch Process Explained
Unlike previous benefit changes, this switchover is not automatic. Claimants must take positive action by applying for Universal Credit once they receive their migration notice. Some households may have already been moved over to the new system, but most will need to act upon receiving their letter.
Benefitsandwork.co.uk advises recipients: 'You will know when you have to move to UC, because you will receive a letter through the post called a migration notice. The most important thing is not to panic when you get the migration notice – don't ignore it, but don't rush into things either.'
Real Consequences for Inaction
The DWP's warning comes with genuine financial stakes. Hundreds of thousands of claimants of other benefits have already lost payments in recent years during similar migration processes by failing to act on time.
People should be aware that the threat of losing money is very real. The key message from support organisations is clear: these notices cannot be ignored, and claimants must ensure they take the necessary steps to protect their income.
The change will affect all income-related ESA claimants at some point, making it essential that everyone currently receiving this benefit prepares for the transition to Universal Credit.
