Households on ESA and JSA to move to UC from next month

Households claiming employment and support allowance (ESA) and jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) will be asked to move to universal credit at the start of September.

Find out what you need to do to make the switch.

Moving to universal credit

Two million people who claim legacy benefits are gradually being moved to universal credit in a process called ‘managed migration’.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wants everyone switched over by the end of 2025.

ESA and JSA are the next benefits being replaced, following tax credits and housing benefit.

Applying for universal credit

From September, DWP will start sending out letters called ‘migration notices’ to those claiming ESA and JSA, inviting them to apply for universal credit.

You need to apply within three months of receiving this letter or risk losing your benefits payments.

Applications can be made online or via the universal credit migration notice helpline.

How will moving to universal credit affect me?

Most people will be better off after moving to universal credit, but some people might be left short.

If moving to universal credit means you’ll be worse off, you’ll get something called transitional protection if you submit a claim before the deadline. It’s automatically applied, so you won’t need to ask for it.

Any universal credit claims submitted after three months are treated as new, so you won’t get transitional protection. Apply as soon as you can to make sure you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.

You can ask for more time if you can’t apply before the deadline, though you may not get it. DWP will need to agree you have a good reason (i.e. you’re classed as vulnerable and struggle with your application) before giving you a new deadline.

Contact the universal credit migration notice helpline as soon as you can if you think you’ll need more time to apply.

Check you’re getting everything you’re entitled to

If you’re going to move to universal credit soon, it’s a good idea to check you’re still getting everything you’re entitled to.

There might be some other benefits you’re eligible for, so use our free benefits calculator to make sure you’re not missing out.