Some recipients of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), particularly those also on Employment Support Allowance (ESA), have been warned they must act before Christmas, amid a major overhaul that sees ESA being replaced by Universal Credit (UC).
ESA claimants will not be moved automatically and are required to apply for UC themselves. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has started sending out migration notices in September, pressing individuals to make the switch to UC.
Upon receipt, claimants are allocated a three-month deadline to complete their UC transition. Failing to move over within this timeframe will lead to a halt in their benefits.
With notifications issued starting September, any payment issues could bring additional financial troubles during the festive season, highlighting the need for claimants to be extra vigilant with money management.
The overhaul leaves PIP untouched, but its crucial for those receiving ESA to keep abreast of the changes. Birmingham Live reports that this change is part of the DWP’s aim to consolidate six traditional benefits under UC.
The government has instructed those affected: “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.”