DWP ESA and Universal Credit error means people are missing £416 a month

A Department for Work and Pensions error means people who claim ESA risk losing hundreds. ESA claimants being moved onto Universal Credit as part of the managed migration process from the DWP have been urgently warned.

An error has affected a “small” number of people who are being moved over to Universal Credit from their current legacy benefit. Under the “Managed Migration” plans, those claiming this benefit do not need to provide sick notes to the DWP when they move to Universal Credit.

And those in the ESA support group should not be asked to undertake any work-related activities, as their Work Capability status should carry over when they migrate over. Despite these rules, DWP staff have asked ESA claimants to get fit notes from their GPs in some instances, and others have been incorrectly told that they need to agree to new work commitments before making the switch.

READ MORE UK 'faces 10cm of snow per hour' with two parts of England covered

Those who have been asked were told by DWP staff that if they did not supply a note or agree to new work requirements, then they would be ineligible for limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments.

These extra payments are worth up to £416 a month. Ayla Ozmen, director of policy & campaigns at anti-poverty charity Z2K, said it was "concerning" to hear ESA claimants being told this. They added: "Not only is this unlawful, but it puts disabled people at risk of being inappropriately sanctioned."

A DWP spokesperson said: "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." Under the managed migration plan, six older benefits – which are called “legacy” benefits – are being scrapped and these include:

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit

While PIP is not affected as part of the change, many claimants also get ESA so need to be aware of what is happening.