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ESA to UC managed migration has begun

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Managed migration of employment and support allowance (ESA)  claimants to universal credit (UC) has now begun, according to the government’s official “Move to universal credit” website.

Until yesterday, the website’s timetable for managed migration listed the date for “Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only” and “Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with Housing Benefit”, migration as being  "From Autumn 2024 (TBC)".

However, the timetable now says that people receiving these benefits may get their migration letter  “From September 2024”.

Whilst there has been no other official confirmation, the change to the website does appear to be definitive.

You can see the timetable on the “When you need to apply for Universal Credit” web page.

As we highlighted earlier this month, there have been growing signs that the DWP was preparing to start managed migration for income-related ESA (irESA) claimants, including evidence to the Public Accounts Committee and updates in the Touchbase newsletter.

The move is going ahead in spite of fears raised by organisations such as Citizens Advice that irESA claimants are a “potentially highly vulnerable group” and that it is essential that better safeguards are put in place before migration begins.

Here at Benefits and Work, we have a 28 page members guide to ESA to UC migration. 

And, as a result of the many issues raised by visitors to the site, we have now supplemented this with an 11 page collection of answers to FAQs for members, which we hope covers most of the main concerns that have been raised.

We will be publishing more information and resources over the coming weeks. 

Members can download our managed migration resources from the ESA and UC guides page.

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    SENFSG
    · 1 months ago
     ________________________________________
    Subject: Concerns Regarding Universal Credit Application Process for Disabled and Vulnerable Individuals
    I am writing to express significant concerns regarding the challenges faced by one of our clients with both physical and mental disabilities in navigating the Universal Credit (UC) application process. Our client cannot read or write, has no access to or understanding of digital tools like email, and requires round-the-clock care from a team of support workers. Despite her substantial needs and existing documentation (including Personal Independence Payment and high-rate Employment and Support Allowance), accessing UC has proven almost impossible. Here are the main issues we've encountered:
    1.    Digital-Only Application Process: UC requires an online application and email account setup, which is beyond our client's capabilities. After numerous phone calls to UC, it became clear that there was no viable alternative provided for those who cannot use or access online services.
    2.    Inadequate Guidance and Support: UC representatives were unable to offer effective guidance or assistance beyond restating online requirements, despite being informed of the client’s severe limitations. They advised approaching Citizens Advice (CAB) to act as her legal appointee, which CAB declined.
    3.    Risk of Severe Hardship: UC's 12-week transition phase—with no financial assistance—leaves vulnerable individuals without access to essential needs like food, utilities, and medical support. This situation is critical for individuals reliant on medical equipment or specialized care. The proposed loan system is insufficient, as repayment terms are unaffordable for most claimants, potentially leading to severe poverty.
    4.    Lack of Alternative Pathways: Attempts to request a paper review or phone-based support were dismissed. The current system lacks suitable alternatives for individuals who cannot manage the digital claim process due to cognitive, physical, or mental health impairments.
    The current UC application process, as structured, presents insurmountable obstacles for individuals like our client, who face complex challenges. The lack of a compassionate, accessible pathway forces those most vulnerable into extreme hardship and, in some cases, poses a life-threatening risk.
    We urge a reconsideration of this process, especially for individuals with severe disabilities. Implementing more inclusive application pathways—such as paper-based reviews, phone interviews, or simplified direct assistance for non-digital users—would allow disabled and disadvantaged individuals fair access to essential support.
    Please let us know if there are any immediate steps we can take to secure critical financial support for our client during this transition period.
    Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
    Kind regards,
    M W
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Honsi
    · 1 months ago
    I'm in Glasgow, on ESA (PIP) and HB and just got my uc migration notice. I'm quite scared about it.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Valentía
    · 2 months ago
    Hi ' I'm in Scotland, I got my migration letter jyst 2 days ago ' I have to claim UC by the 8th January 2025 my advice worker told me to wait till my payment in December ' then claim.  I'm on SSS Adult Disability Allowance ' I suffer from Schizophrenia & Bipolar.  My illness was spotted at uni, I'm on a lot of medication ' but this stess of this alone is a killer. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jas
      · 2 months ago
      @Valentía They would have advised you this so your money and any rent is covered. Work out when your next payment s will be and roughly the day you make the claim will. You will get a two weeks money and rent then it will take a while until UC is up and running you can ask for rent to be paid directly if you struggle. Get the advice worker to help you. If they can't visit Citizens advice 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Dee white
    · 2 months ago
    people on here have been saying to put that you have migrated from esa support group and should be protected under regulation 19, so don't need fit notes when I make the claim, 
    where do I out this information. This is all new to me and don't have a clue with anything to do with claiming online.
    Thank you. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dee white
      · 2 months ago
      @Jas Oh OK, thank you 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jas
      · 2 months ago
      @Dee white Once the award has timed out it will be a PIP claim instead depending how long you have until pension age. 

      For everyone aged 16 and over, at some point they'll need to claim PIP instead of DLA - even if you have a 'lifetime' or 'indefinite' award for DLA. The DWP expect this to happen in the next few years.

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dee white
      · 2 months ago
      @Jas I didn't realise my dla award would be moved to pip 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jas
      · 2 months ago
      @Dee white
      It may work or copy and paste guide to making a UC claim 

      https://youtu.be/pPJoe14OV8o
      ?si=a0v88qMfLhyLbmFf
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jas
      · 2 months ago
      @Dee white
      Your welcome Dee. 
      The DLA award will move to PIP. The ESA income related will become Universal credit with a LCWRA Limited Capability for Work Related Activity with top up. They will probably ask for some of your son's details if he pays rent, but wait until you get the letter. You can find videos on YouTube of how to make a claim for uni step by Step.
      And various forums with Benefit help also citizens advice. Money saving expert forum for help and advice if you get stuck. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    A
    · 2 months ago
    These are the oral questions that will be asked to Liz Kendall today at the parliament. I'm afraid none of them addresses our worries, queries, or concerns. Not a single question is asking on PIP, migration, benefit cuts, what Keir Starmer has lately uttered, or what's concretely the upcoming plan of the DWP!

    MPs had to submit their questions three days in advance to give ministres time t prepare.

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jonno
      · 2 months ago
      @A Disappointing to say the least re the questions being asked but thanks nonetheless for saving me an hour of my time as I won't need to watch it.

      I'll wait for the summary by admin on here.👍
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      (No) hope
      · 2 months ago
      @A Without mentioning the dreadful “d word” (disabled) there are some questions in there that are likely to affect us, but without specifically mentioning us as a group likely to be on the receiving end… if that makes sense
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      wibblum
      · 2 months ago
      @A Well that saves me from spending the entire afternoon shouting at the television I suppose.

      Might be worth tuning in at 3.15 to hear the topical 'on-the-spot' questions (not listed, obviously).
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    JF
    · 2 months ago
    So is everyone saying that you have to tell them that you’re migrating to UC from ESa ? Don’t they know that when you apply and they look you up?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dee white
      · 2 months ago
      @JF Its stupid  isn't it. They are all part of DWP, yet it seems that the right hand don't know what the left hand is doing... as the saying goes.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Shona Haley
    · 2 months ago
    I'm in panic mode. Everywhere going in about ESA to UC migration and letters have gone out inSeptember,I didn't get one. I have Income related ESA and housing benefit and have had zero communication about either. (The only thing I've had is the Timetable of when PIP goes to ADP.)
    Any ideas folks????

    S Haley
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Felix
      · 2 months ago
      @Shona Haley "The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is in the process of moving more than two million people from their older benefits to Universal Credit.

      The DWP plans to have contacted everyone affected by the next stage of the so-called "managed migration" process by December 2025.

      When it is your turn to make the move to Universal Credit, the DWP will send you a "migration notice" letter, giving you three months to make the switch to the new benefit."

      It's a guessing game, unfortunately as to when you will receive your migration letter. It could be anytime between tomorrow and DECEMBER 2025 so don't worry about missing it because you won't.

      When it's your turn, you will receive it so, in the meantime focus on living your life and try not to think about it too much.

      Easier said than done I know, and there are many, many of us in the same boat.

      Look after yourself.


    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jas
      · 2 months ago
      @Shona Haley What type of ESA are you totally income based or contribution based 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    The Dogmother
    · 2 months ago
    https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/labour-silence-over-pms-work-search-comments-as-tory-ex-dwp-minister-says-youd-never-have-heard-that-from-me/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFsx_ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHToRgK0ALKPWGOxY0qKyC1SsUIxyKrFrjLAdpoqICmFxMfN3xUxrTqBnGQ_aem_UxlNpyDK-BqSmoOqJNEckw
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    pippastv
    · 2 months ago
    my sister has been migrated from the tax credits to UC and because she does not have photographic ID they have refused to accept who she is.  (shes been on tax credits 15 years). She has now been without ANY money for nearly 6 weeks.  only finally getting somewhere after getting her local MP involved.  He said the amount of calls he has had over the migration of tax credit to UC has been incredibly high, with people being without money for 4 weeks plus.  My sister has a disabled and autistic daughter of 10 who needs to wear nappies , at her own cost, and is fed through a tube, and this has been such a hard time for her, with no support from UC.  Shes been close to asking social work to take her daughter into care.  6 weeks with no income and is now behind with her rent, and other bills.  They finally accepted her birth certificate and and although her first payment should of started last week, they are now saying her first payment will be 16 Oct.  Her advance she will get on the 14 Oct!!  There has been no where she can turn to for support,  CAB said she was not the first story of this nature they have heard about.
     So for anyone being migrated from ESA to UC be prepared to be without any money for at least 4 weeks, and if you do not have photographic ID then be prepared for a battle with UC.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    A
    · 2 months ago
    "Job advisers may be posted in NHS hospitals to get long-term sick back to work."

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      (No) hope
      · 2 months ago
      @CaroA Yes, same here. If what comes out is even more callous and punitive, then a robust response will be needed from charities, disabled groups, and ultimately, US. Enjoy the rest of the weekend folks.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      CaroA
      · 2 months ago
      @The Dogmother Totally agree with all of this....they must look back to this in the future and think how this systemic abuse was perpetuated for so long and what appalling consequences it's had on so many.  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      CaroA
      · 2 months ago
      @(No) hope 😊👍 thinking of you all in the next few days.....
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      lesley
      · 2 months ago
      @Bud Thank you Bud
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      The Dogmother
      · 2 months ago
      @CaroA It really is brutality, and anybody who agrees with it is a disgrace as a human being. They've bviously either never been on the horns of the dwp or else they've been so lucky they've breezed through every dealing with these"people".
      Even speaking the truth gets some so riled up they are incandescent with anger. And do their little best to discredit.  But the truth is still the truth. And we all know how we are being treated and continue to be. 
      Makes me wonder will future Governments look back at what we've faced, have been Threatened with and think how the heck did they get away with that!
      That's if the benefits system still exists. We are treated as non entities, less than.
      We are worth more. And I'm not talking about money, dignity, compassion, decency. Not what we face daily. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Ah
    · 2 months ago
    Has Universal Credit asked anyone to supply bank statements for benefit checks?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MrFibro
      · 2 months ago
      @Felix Felix how do you know, that it's not true?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 2 months ago
      @A What happens if you can't get months worth of statements
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Tom
      · 2 months ago
      @A

      No, a bank statement at the beginning of the claim is only requested from someone who has a capital of £6000 or more, or at a future time when the person's universal credit is reviewed. Otherwise, at the beginning of the claim, only the exact amount in all of the person's bank accounts and details such as account numbers are required. "It’s important to share accurate information to avoid confusion."
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Felix
      · 2 months ago
      @A That isn't true. NO bank statements are asked for upon application. Please stop with the misinformation. It isn't helpful.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      A
      · 2 months ago
      @Ah UC Migration is a hap hazard thing when it comes to proper information. If people knew approximately when they would be really be migrated it would be useful as they need to plan things like hospitals, surgery, and much more around times. If you are going to be migrated at the end of 2025 then it would be useful to know that likewise if you are to be really migrated soon then that too would be useful to what is after all sick people. The DWP should be held responsible for this sort of haphazard manner they are scheduling the migration as they are only making sick people sicker in the process and that really needs to be looked into as this is not responsible behaviour. It looks like Chaos from the point of view of sick persons.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    diceman24
    · 2 months ago
    Was working full time for over 20 years and than diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy so struggled to work part time for 15 years than that was to much for my condition and mind wouldn’t let me anymore so on consultants advice was told to stop working it’s putting much strain and pressure my condition has most of you know muscular dystrophy is a chronic condition and slowly muscles and even your mind set is deteriorating so bring these reforms on and let’s see how far they go before high courts and human rights kick in  stay safe everyone and thanks for reading my position and everyone’s. Cases 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Earth
    · 2 months ago
    Has this process actually started happening- has anyone on ESA support group actually been migrated onto UC or is it rumoured that it will happen? 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    TD
    · 2 months ago
    https://www.disabilitynewsservice.com/prime-minister-suggests-all-those-on-sickness-benefits-should-look-for-work/
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Jon
    · 2 months ago
    Has anyone been subjected to a work coach interview yet
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MrFibro
      · 2 months ago
      @Anon N Does the job centre provide any beds or couches so one can lay down if they're feeling exhausted, due to severe chronic pain, and also as a result of  being traumatized having to go into see a work coach etc.

      The answer is NO, So how the hell do they expect people to work ?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MrFibro
      · 2 months ago
      @Anon N It's ridiculous really, because the DWP know your in the SG anyway.  Just faffing around, money for old rope @ the expense of the claimants health, not alone money.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 2 months ago
      @Anon N Thanks
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon N
      · 2 months ago
      @Jon I hope this help, the way it was explained to me is that when you make your claim you’ll get work coach appointments until the system knows your support group status, they will not make you seek work, but you have to meet with them in order for the claim to progress. Some may deal with you via phone, via video call or in person. It takes a few weeks for your support group status to be put on to their system. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Matt
    · 2 months ago
    Quick note: Liz Kendall faces opposition questions next Monday at 2:30.  It may be worth watching BBC parliament as we should get a clearer idea of what the Government proposed changes to PIP, UC, ESA etc are.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      A
      · 2 months ago
      @Matt Yeah, we have to, just in case as you've said it.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Matt
      · 2 months ago
      @A You're probably right but will watch just in case we do get some clarity in relation to 'welfare reform'
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      A
      · 2 months ago
      @Matt I don't think she'll clarify or make anything more comprehensible. She'll just repeat what she has lately been parroting and at the end say, like Rachel Reeves, that she's writing the budget today.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      STOKO
      · 2 months ago
      @Matt She is unhinged to say the least, puts Mel Stride in a good light! Fearing the worst but praying I'll be proven wrong 😔
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Emily James
    · 2 months ago
    There seems to be delays because the system doesn’t like moving over multiple parts. So ESA support group and housing are taking longer. And because we don’t have a work coach our messages get sent to general where tsk longer again for someone to even read them
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon
      · 2 months ago
      @MrFibro Doesn't apply to people on state pension like you 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Michael
      · 2 months ago
      @Emily James This isn't correct, it doesn't work that way.

      In essence a migration is basically still a new claim, and is treat as such. It goes through the same process and takes the sane length if time as any new claim.

      It's nothing to do with your messages not being picked up.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MrFibro
      · 2 months ago
      @Emily James How do we know it's taking longer !
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Anon N
    · 2 months ago
    I’ve just gone through the migration and it’s horrendous to say the least. Please make sure you let them know you’re migrating from support group so they’ll put reasonable adjustments in place when it comes to having to see a work coach (which you HAVE to do until the system gets all your info from ESA!) which takes a few weeks! If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Winlars
      · 1 months ago
      @Michael almost as if it is deliberate.. or we are our own worst enemies.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MJ
      · 2 months ago
      @Ah Good idea.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 2 months ago
      @Sidhu123 You have to wait five weeks for your first universal credit payment
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon N
      · 2 months ago
      @Michael Share one’s experience is not “scaremongering!” Read on many other sites, people have had the same experience as I have, the system is fundamentally flawed as will be treated as a new claim until they get all your info from legacy benefits, which will entail meeting with work coaches, claimants have to accept that on the commitments sections or the claim cannot progress. Yes I agree some may deal with you via your journal, some may also make you attend appointments. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon N
      · 2 months ago
      @Ah Yes, that’s what I stated. Regulation 19. 
      A lot of people don’t have transitional protection added when they get their first statement, again don’t worry, a letter will be uploaded to your journal a few days later saying your migration has been completed - transitional protection has been applied. 
      I hope this helps. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    peter mckeon
    · 2 months ago
    jeremy hunt, has just said....the labour party is so badly burnt, over scrapping the winter fuel payments to pensioners, he thinks welfare reform will become UNTOUCHABLE.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon
      · 2 months ago
      @peter mckeon Wouldn't bank on it. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      rookie
      · 2 months ago
      @Bud I don't think you can. If it's like other forms of this kind you need to fill in each page before it will let you move on. I don't want to look before I have to.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      boris1
      · 2 months ago
      @MrFibro I think you are right.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      boris1
      · 2 months ago
      @A Chance would be a good thing but unfortunately changes to the welfare system will be made.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      CarolK
      · 2 months ago
      @A We're just numbers on a screen. Whether we are disabled, pensioners or middle-class parents claiming child benefit, all we are to them are numbers. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    keepingitreal
    · 2 months ago
    Something I think we should be aware of: 

    Whilst, officially, we have three months from the date of the migration letter to claim, it is, in fact, more time pressured. Once you begin an online claim you only have 28 days to complete it, because it will not save for longer - if you don't submit it within 28 days you will have to start again.

    So, the truth is that you may have three months from the date of the migration letter to send your claim, but if you start it in good time you have to get it done and sent in 28 days or you'll have to redo the whole thing.

    Subtle, but significant.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon
      · 2 months ago
      @MrFibro Sorry but as I've replied to you a number of times, none of this will affect you as you are state pension age. You don't have to claim UC if you get the pension 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      WAyne
      · 2 months ago
      @MrFibro The date thing is what they are doing on purpose honestly I've had the same problem with dates on letters and not having enough time for me to get everything evedence doctors letters or any info to them on time .i know for a fact that they are doing this for pips they just want to fail or give up I nearly did several times,1 letter turning up a day or two late yeah understandable but every single letter that they wanted more information from me that is critical to my case ,guess what letters over 10 days late ,phone them and try to explain what they are doing isn't fair ,  and they try to reverse the error on me that is why most people are so distressed over benefits 2 years in and the pure stress that they have put me into was worse than when they told me they might have to cutting my leg off at hospital  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      rtbcpart2
      · 2 months ago
      @A "Unless one is a computer illiterate or does not have access to a computer or smartphone with internet, filling in the form is not a big deal"

      Well that's ok then.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      MrFibro
      · 2 months ago
      @keepingitreal So if the migration letter was dated xx.xx.2024,

      Then you receive it say 10 later, in effect you have already lost over a week since the DWP posted it out to you.

      The whole charade is a disgrace.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      A
      · 2 months ago
      @keepingitreal Unless one is a computer illiterate or does not have access to a computer or smartphone with internet, filling in the form is not a big deal and should not take more than 30 minutes. It's just the usual paper application that people have been filling in for generations put online and nothing else. 

      Popping in the job centre and meeting with the so-called work coaches is another story, as no one likes them.

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