DWP benefit claimed by 1.6 million people to be scrapped

Claimants warned they have just weeks to take action

A DWP benefit claimed by around 1.6 million Brits is being scrapped by the Government. Employment Support Allowance (ESA), mostly claimed by people who cannot work for health-related reasons, is one of six 'legacy' benefits being phased out.

They are being replaced by Universal Credit (UC) as part of a move to bring many benefits under a single payment system. ESA claimants were sent migration notice letters in September warning them they had three months to apply for UC or face their benefits being stopped.

It's important these migration notices have not been ignored. If they were sent in September, taking no action will mean payments stopping in December just in time for Christmas.

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People who get ESA have been told they should get themselves signed up to UC as soon as possible to avoid any disruption. Full details of what they need to do will be on their migration notices or can be found online.

The Government has been writing to claimants of different benefits separately as part of the mammoth task of moving everyone over. People have been told they should not get less money than they did before under the new system. Other legacy benefits being phased out include Housing Benefit, Income Support and tax credits.

The Government said: "Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter. As one or more of your benefits will be ending soon, you need to move to Universal Credit.

"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."

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