DWP alert as 1.6 million people risk losing benefits at Christmas time

Around 1.6 million Brits are set to be moved off Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and onto Universal Credit.

ESA is one of the legacy benefits being phased out by the government in its efforts to move towards a single monthly payment system.

Those who have been claiming ESA - largely people who are unable to work due to health-related issues - started receiving migration notice letters in September. The letters explain to claimants that they have a three-month window to make the transition to Universal Credit or risk having their benefits ceased.

READ MORE: DWP to ask thousands of Universal Credit claimants to provide bank statements

For those who miss the deadline, they risk having their benefits stopped right before Christmas. People currently receiving ESA are being urged to act quickly to register for Universal Credit to ensure they don't miss out.

Housing Benefit, Income Support, and tax credits are among the other 'legacy' benefits set to be axed.

The government advises on its website: "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."