DWP to send people letters soon telling them key benefit is being scrapped

Cardiff city centre as people and shoppers make their way along along Queen street
-Credit: (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)


Some recipients of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have been alerted to significant upcoming changes requiring immediate action before Christmas. It affects those who also receive Employment Support Allowance (ESA), which many claimants with disabilities and medical conditions currently benefit from alongside PIP.

It comes as ESA is set to be phased out and replaced by Universal Credit (UC), prompting a major shake-up for those affected. Individuals on ESA won't be automatically transferred to the new system; instead, they will need to apply for UC themselves.

READ MORE: 'Martin Lewis helped me save £1,000 on private health insurance'

READ MORE: DWP to unveil new plan for unemployed and long-term sick

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has begun dispatching migration notices to ESA recipients since September, urging them to make the switch within three months from the issuing of the letter to avoid payment stopping, reports Birmingham Live.

The timing of these adjustments crucially coincides with the festive season, putting additional pressure on claimants to ensure their financial arrangements are in order. Although the introduction of UC doesn't directly impact PIP, it's vital for dual claimants to stay informed as ESA gives way to UC, one of six legacy benefits subject to DWP's phase-out strategy.

In its statement, the government said: "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."