Why the DWP need a slower approach to moving people from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit…
Concerns Over the Accelerated Migration of ESA Claimants to Universal Credit
The UK government is moving forward with its plan to transition people from income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit (UC). Since September 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been notifying ESA claimants to switch to UC, but concerns are growing about the speed and effectiveness of this transition.
Uncertainty and Risks for ESA Claimants
ESA is a crucial benefit for those with health conditions or disabilities, making support for their migration essential. Initially, ESA migration was delayed until 2028 but was unexpectedly brought forward to 2025. This sudden shift, combined with upcoming disability benefit reforms, has left many claimants uncertain about their financial future.
A trial phase involving 500 ESA claimants was meant to inform the transition process, but full-scale migration has already begun before conclusions from this test have been published. The government aims to migrate over 800,000 ESA claimants by the end of 2025, raising concerns that lessons from previous migration phases haven’t been fully considered.
Gaps in the Migration Process
Many people fail to claim UC despite receiving migration notices, often due to lack of information or support. If even 5% of ESA claimants don’t transition, up to 40,000 people could lose out on an average of £812 per month.
The DWP has introduced an “enhanced support journey” (ESJ) to assist vulnerable claimants, but there are concerns about whether it has the capacity to support everyone effectively. The ESJ is not a legal requirement, meaning there’s no formal accountability if claimants fall through the cracks.
Technical Issues and Delays Causing Hardship
Errors in transferring ESA claimants’ work capability assessments to UC have resulted in people being wrongly asked for fit notes, work meetings, and job-related activities, causing unnecessary stress. Some claimants have also faced long delays in home visits for ID verification, delaying payments and worsening financial hardship.
For example, Callum, an ESA claimant with severe mobility issues, was wrongly asked to provide a fit note and attend a work meeting. Anita, who has severe anxiety, was unexpectedly asked to complete a health assessment and provide a CV, increasing her distress.
A Call for a Slower, More Cautious Approach
Rushing ESA claimants into UC without adequate safeguards is causing distress and financial difficulties. The government must slow down the migration process, ensure better support mechanisms, and address existing issues before moving forward at scale. A more measured approach will help prevent vulnerable claimants from falling into hardship and improve trust in the system.
