DWP claimants on ESA and PIP told to be on 'high alert'

Experts have issued advice to people moving onto Universal Credit

People receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been told to be on "high alert" as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) gears up to transition benefit recipients onto Universal Credit.

This move is part of its "managed migration" strategy, and experts are advising those who receive ESA alongside PIP to be vigilant. The team at Spencer Churchill Claims warned: "It's crucial for people on these benefits to pay attention to any letters from the DWP. You have three months from the date of your letter to make a claim, otherwise, you could lose your entitlements entirely.

"If you are worse off under Universal Credit, you may be entitled to a top-up called transitional protection, which will cover the difference."

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They further cautioned: "However, this protection is only available if you respond to the DWP's Migration Notice in time and make your claim before the deadline. Any changes in circumstances could also impact how much you receive. The process of managed migration is already underway, and those affected by the changes need to ensure they act quickly."

Missing the three-month response window to the DWP letter could jeopardise the essential financial support many rely on. Prompt action is necessary to secure payments under the new system, including any potential transitional protection.

They stress: "Failing to respond to the DWP letter within three months risks losing the support you've relied on. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner your current payments can be protected under Universal Credit, including any transitional protection that might apply," reports the Manchester Evening News.

In fresh news, it has been revealed that more than 3.6 million individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) might find out as soon as next week about the potential changes put forth in the 'Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper' by the incoming Labour Government. With the aim of transforming the benefits system, the proposal suggests scrapping the Work Capability Assessment and moving towards a combined assessment process for all benefit claims, drawing in excess of 16,000 responses from an online survey.

Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, Sir Stephen Timms MP, commented post consultation, which concluded on July 22, that as they review the public's input, the DWP is "considering our own approach to social security in due course".