I currently receive income related ESA, will I have to claim Universal Credit?
Eventually, all existing claimants of legacy benefits will be moved onto Universal Credit even if there has been no change of circumstances. This process is referred to as ‘managed migration’ and is planned to happen for most claimants between 2022 and 2026. If you are moved over to Universal Credit via the managed migration process, you will be entitled to transitional protection. This means that you should not lose out at the time you change to Universal Credit.
The amount you receive will remain the same until:
- your circumstances change
- or the amount of Universal Credit you are entitled to catches up with the amount you were receiving under the old benefit or tax credits system.
Please note the DWP are currently engaged in an advertising campaign encouraging claimants of legacy benefits to move to Universal Credit voluntarily, as some will be better off financially. However this is not the case for all claimants, many of whom will be significantly worse off.
Once you have claimed Universal Credit there is no option to return to your legacy benefit, even if you are worse off. We strongly recommend therefore that anyone considering this move should first seek advice.
