THE WAY many people receive their benefits is changing, with six “legacy benefits” being replaced by Universal Credit (UC).
Hundreds of thousands of people have already made the move, and those claiming income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are next. When it’s your turn to move, you will receive a letter called a Migration Notice.
If you need financial support while completing the move, you can ask for an advance payment
Sun tips to plan for monthly payments
Eligibility criteria apply. For more information and support on Universal Credit, visit gov.uk/ucmove
HOW TO MAKE YOUR MOVE
Everything you need to know about moving from income-related ESA to Universal Credit
You may be used to receiving benefits fortnightly, but on UC those payments will be monthly.
This means you might need to look at your budget to help spread costs.
Make a list of what you spend each month on essentials, such as rent, council tax, utilities, food, transport and medication.
Compare those costs against your UC payment and see how much you have left over for the month for additional expenses.
It’s best to leave spending on any additional items until later in the month if you can – in case of any unexpected expense cropping up.
I’m on ESA and have received a Migration Notice letter. Do I need to do anything or will the move to Universal Credit be made automatically?
It won’t be automatic. To help keep your benefits running smoothly, you need to fill out an online application form once your Migration Notice letter has arrived.
That letter will give more information including a deadline for making your application, usually up to three months away.
If you are on income-related ESA and haven’t received a letter yet, don’t worry. It could arrive any time up to the end of September.
It’s important that you don’t do anything until after you’ve received your letter. Don’t ignore it, though – you need to take action to continue receiving support.
Isn’t UC a benefit for people who are looking for work? What if I’m currently receiving ESA and unable to work because of my health?
UC is available to people who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
Your monthly payment will be based on personal circumstances, including if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work.
Do I need to have another Work Capability Assessment (WCA) if I move from ESA to UC?
ESA customers who have an existing WCA decision or fit note will not need a new one if their claim has continued and health condition has remained unchanged.
Just remember to apply by the deadline given in the Migration Notice letter.
Which benefits end when I start claiming UC? And which ones will I continue to get separately?
The following benefits are being replaced with UC: Housing Benefit, income-related ESA, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Income Support. If you received Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (known as “tax credits”) these have already ended.
Other benefits, including Carer’s Allowance, Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit for supported housing and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not being replaced.
If you qualify for UC and one of these other benefits, they’ll be paid separately.
Once I apply for UC, will my ESA stop straight away?
You will continue to receive your current benefits for two weeks after you apply for UC.
If you need financial support while completing the move, you can ask for an advance payment that you’ll have to pay back over a maximum period of two years once you start receiving UC.
How much will I get on UC?
You will likely receive at least the same level of support on UC as you do from your old-style benefits. However, if your entitlement is less, you could receive an additional amount, if you meet the relevant eligibility criteria. This is called Transitional Protection.
This support is added automatically to your Universal Credit payment. How long you receive this for will depend on your circumstances.
Your questions answered
Visit MoneyHelper for a free online budget planner to keep track of your money. You’ll also find free, impartial money guidance and information on how to get free debt advice.
Advice Local can help you find benefits, housing, money and other support in your local area.
Advertisement feature
In partnership with
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UK GOVERNMENT
Here at The Sun we know you might have questions about what the move to UC means and what happens next.
We have pulled together some of your commonly asked questions and gathered some answers.
My rent is currently paid directly to my landlord. Will this happen with UC?
Any housing benefit you previously received will be paid directly into your bank account as part of your UC payment.
It’s your responsibility to make sure rent payments reach your landlord. Those in Scotland can opt to have their landlord paid directly.
If you think you’ll struggle with this, you can ask for a portion of your UC payment to be paid directly to your landlord by contacting the UC helpline.
UC is paid monthly, but I currently receive ESA payments fortnightly. Can UC also be paid fortnightly?
UC is a monthly payment paid directly to customers as a single household payment.
If you find it difficult to budget, you can have your UC divided over the month to be paid more frequently – ie twice monthly. This alternative arrangement is known as a More Frequent Payment. Call the Universal Credit helpline number if you would like to discuss this.
See the box below for tips on how to manage on a monthly budget.
What help can I get with completing my claim for UC?
Don’t worry, there is lots of help available.
Your Migration Notice letter will give details of the dedicated Move to UC helpline. Information can also be found on gov.uk/ucmove.
Free and impartial Help to Claim support is available from Citizens Advice or Citizens Advice Scotland – online or by phone.
Further support
Everything you need to know about moving from ESA to Universal Credit
I’m on ESA and have received a Migration Notice letter. Do I need to do anything or will the move to Universal Credit be made automatically?
Universal Credit is a simplified, streamlined system replacing six older benefits including ESA. It helps you get the financial support you are entitled to in one place.
It’s there to support you into employment and help with living costs if you’re unable to work, putting money in the pockets of people who need it most.
I’m on ESA and have received a Migration Notice letter. Do I need to do anything or will the move to Universal Credit be made automatically?
It won’t be automatic. To help keep your benefits running smoothly, you need to fill out an online application form once your Migration Notice letter has arrived.
That letter will give more information including a deadline for making your application, usually up to three months away.
If you are on income-related ESA and haven’t received a letter yet, don’t worry. It could arrive any time up to the end of the year.
It’s important that you only apply for UC when your Migration Notice letter arrives, and that you apply by the deadline shown on the letter.
Isn’t UC a benefit for people who are looking for work? What if I’m currently receiving ESA and unable to work because of my health?
UC is available to people who are on a low income, out of work or unable to work.
Your monthly payment will be based on personal circumstances, including if you have a health condition or disability.
Do I need to have another Work Capability Assessment (WCA) if I move from ESA to UC?
ESA customers who have an existing WCA decision or fit note will not need a new one if their claim has continued and health condition has not changed.
Just remember to apply by the deadline given in the Migration Notice letter.
It’s important that you only apply for Universal Credit when your Migration Notice letter arrives’
You may be used to receiving benefits fortnightly, but on UC those payments will be monthly.
This means you might need to look at your budget to help spread costs.
Make a list of your essential costs, such as rent, council tax, utilities, food, transport and medication.
Compare those costs against your UC payment and see how much you have left each week for additional expenses like entertainment.
Try to put some money aside each month for unexpected costs such as household items breaking and having to be repaired or replaced.
How to plan for monthly payments
The MoneyHelper website (moneyhelper.org.uk) has a free online budget planner that allows you to record spending so you don’t forget any outgoings.
It offers personalised tips to help you make the most of your money.
Step Change (stepchange.org) has a video about budgeting online, and takes you through all you need to know to budget effectively.
Worried about debt? The Debt Advice Foundation charity (debtadvicefoundation.org) runs a free, confidential advice helpline.
