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Hundreds of thousands of households risk suffering a shock disruption to their benefit payments without urgent action.
People at risk are currently in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and they are being migrated to Universal Credit.
However, this migration process will not occur unless they make a formal application, which creates a risk that some will miss out.
The people involved are set to receive “Migration Notice” letters from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) which alerts them of the need to make an application.
The letters will set out changes to their benefits and what they must do to ensure their payments don’t stop.
Those affected will need to apply for Universal Credit from within three months of receiving their Migration Notice. If they don’t they will suffer disruption to their payments.
People on certain ‘legacy’ benefits are being moved over to UC as part of a process that has been ongoing for years.
These legacy benefits are being phased out, impacting millions of claimants. Around 1.6 million people currently claim ESA.
The DWP said: “You need to move to Universal Credit if you’ve received a Migration Notice letter, as one or more of your benefits will be ending soon.
“To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. This is three months from the date the letter was sent out.”
People are being urged to check their post and ensure Migration Notices are not ignored or thrown away. Claimants don’t need to do anything until they have received their Migration Notice.
