A significant change in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Universal Credit system is set to impact around one million people currently on benefits, commencing today. The DWP is phasing out six legacy benefits in favour of moving claimants to the new Universal Credit system through a process known as “managed migration.” This move aims to consolidate multiple benefits into a single system for easier management.
Starting on September 1, individuals receiving employment and support allowance (ESA) and jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) are being instructed to transition to Universal Credit as part of the managed migration strategy. ESA is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with disabilities or health conditions that hinder their ability to work, while JSA is for those seeking employment. Both benefits cater to different circumstances and are now being streamlined into Universal Credit.
Claimants on the older benefits will receive migration notices in the post, guiding them on how to make the switch to Universal Credit. It is crucial for claimants to take action upon receiving these letters, as failing to do so within three months could result in a loss of benefits. The managed migration process officially commenced in November 2022 after a trial period in July 2019. For those who have not yet received a Migration Notice, guidance on transitioning to Universal Credit is available.
Overall, the transition to Universal Credit represents a significant change in the benefits system and aims to streamline processes for recipients and the DWP alike. Claimants are encouraged to follow the instructions provided in the migration notices to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any interruption in benefit payments. With this development, the DWP is taking steps to modernise and simplify the benefits system to better support those in need.