DWP error means hundreds of people on ESA face losing £416 payments

DWP error means hundreds of people on ESA face losing £416 payments
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Hundreds have been hit by a Department for Work and Pensions benefits error that could see payments STOP. Hundreds of households have been affected by a DWP benefits error, which could leave them out of pocket, it has emerged.

As the new Labour Party government continues to move all two million claimants on legacy benefits to Universal Credit by the end of March 2025 through a process known as managed migration, a warning has been issued to benefit claimants.

A "small number" of the 800,000 on income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) have faced a stumbling block when applying for Universal Credit. ESA claimants should not be required to provide fit notes during the migration process.

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And claimants should not be asked to undertake any work-related activities, either. But despite the rules and regulations, DWP staff have asked ESA claimants to obtain fit notes from their GPs in a brutal blow which could cost them cash.

A failure to provide fit notes or agree to new work requirements would make them ineligible for limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments which are worth £416 a month, in a savage blow from the DWP and government.

Ayla Ozmen, director of policy & campaigns at anti-poverty charity Z2K, said: "It's very concerning to hear that some disabled people on employment and support allowance who are being moved on to universal credit are being asked to look for work.

"Not only is this unlawful, but it puts disabled people at risk of being inappropriately sanctioned." A DWP spokesperson added: "We are aware of an issue where a small number of claimants are still being asked to attend a Claimant Commitment appointment and are currently working to resolve the situation.

"Anyone who thinks they have been affected should contact their work coach."