Households across the UK are being told to act now or risk losing their benefits, as the Government speeds up its plans to move all legacy benefit claimants onto Universal Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions is warning that failure to respond to a single letter could result in payments being cut off entirely.
Once received, claimants have just three months to switch to Universal Credit or face losing their entitlement to benefits. So far, over 381,000 people have already lost their benefits for failing to make the switch in time.
And with the DWP now sending out 83,000 letters a month, around 400,000 more households, mostly those receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance, are being urged to act without delay.
The managed migration process officially began in July 2022 and is accelerating rapidly.
While the Government originally planned to complete the transfer of ESA claimants by the end of 2028, that deadline has now been moved forward to March 2026. The DWP expects all migration letters to be sent out by September 2025.
ESA supports those unable to work due to illness or disability, and the transition is particularly critical for these vulnerable households.
According to the DWP, about 200,000 ESA claimants have successfully transitioned so far, leaving hundreds of thousands still at risk if they miss the deadline.
Four of the six legacy benefits, including tax credits, income support, housing benefit, and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, are already closed to new applicants.
The migration to Universal Credit is now inevitable for all remaining recipients.
To help with the process, claimants can access free support through the Help to Claim service offered by Citizens Advice or visit their local Jobcentre for guidance.