The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has called on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) recipients to take immediate action as part of benefit reforms.
People on ESA should apply for Universal Credit as DWP phases out this benefit – a social benefit for people who cannot work because of illness or disability.
Although the DWP will replace ESA with Universal Credit, the change will not be automatic for claimants who are prompted to claim the benefit.
ESA recipients with a disability or health condition often also receive Personal Independence Allowance (PIP), a benefit for people with chronic health conditions who face additional health-related costs.
The transition notice was sent out by DWP in September, informing ESA recipients that they have three months to secure their Universal Credit claim.
If the switch is not made within the allotted time frame, payments will stop, Birmingham Live reported.
The DWP is looking to dramatically simplify the benefits system, phasing out six old benefit schemes and replacing them with Universal Credit. PIP will remain unchanged under the DWP plan.
Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit will also be replaced as part of wider benefit system reforms.
With the holidays starting in three months, ESA recipients should switch to Universal Credit immediately if they want to avoid disruption over the Christmas period.
The government is advising traditional benefit recipients: “Switch to Universal Credit when you receive a transition notice. You must switch to Universal Credit because one or more of your benefits are coming to an end soon.”
“To keep receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline set out in the letter, which is three months from the day the letter is sent.