Moving from ESA to universal credit

Most people will move to universal credit (UC) by December 2025.

This page tells you how you can prepare if you're waiting to move to UC.

When to apply for universal credit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends you a letter when you need to apply.

You have 3 months to apply from when you get the letter.

Make a note of the date in the letter and get everything ready before you apply.

The letter is called a 'migration notice'.

Example of what a migration notice says

Your migration notice might look slightly different to this example.

If your situation changes before you get a migration notice

You might have to apply for UC before you get a migration notice if a change ends your:

• income related ESA

• housing benefit

• child tax credit

For example, your housing benefit stops if:

• you move to a different council area

• your partner moves out and the housing benefit is in their name

• your partner moves in and already gets UC - you need to claim UC as a couple

Use a free benefits calculator

Check you're getting everything you should be right now.

These calculators help you check what you could get:

• entitledto benefits calculator

• better off calculator (Policy in Practice)

They also give you an estimate of what you should get when you move to universal credit.

Apply for other disability benefits

You might be able to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

PIP is a disability benefit that is not affected when you move to UC.

If you already get PIP, this will not change.

If you do not get PIP already, you could apply before moving to UC.

It can take a few months to find out if you can get PIP.

You have to fill in a form and have an assessment to when you apply.

Work capability assessments

You will not usually need:

• another work capability assessment

• to give fit notes or other medical evidence for your UC claim

The DWP might say you need another assessment if:

• your condition changes

• your assessment was due to be reviewed

• you have not had a work capability assessment on ESA

Make sure you can access the internet

Most people have to apply for UC online. You also need to manage your UC account online.

For this you need:

• an email address

• a smartphone or access to a computer

Do not rely on someone else's phone to access your UC account. You need to be able to check your UC account for important messages.

Decide which bank account your UC will go into

You might need to open a bank account if you do not have one already.

If you have a bank or building society account, you'll need the details when you apply for UC.

If you claim with a partner, your UC is usually paid as a single monthly payment into one account. Talk to your partner about which account you will use.

Sometimes the DWP will split the payment. For example, if you experience domestic or financial abuse from your partner. This page has domestic abuse charities you could speak to.

Get your ID ready

You need 2 types of ID to set up your UC account.

For example, your:

• passport

• driver’s licence

• bank cards or statements

• birth or marriage certificate

• NHS medical card

• payslips or P60

If you do not have ID

Do not worry if you do not have things like a passport, or if you cannot prove your ID online when you apply for UC.

Just get as much evidence as you can to show who you are. You can take this to the jobcentre for your UC interview.

For example:

• proof of your address like an energy bill

• your national insurance number

You can also contact the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

Find your tenancy agreement

Have your tenancy agreement ready if you can.

You need proof of your tenancy and your rent to get the UC housing element.

The housing element is the part of your UC payment that replaces housing benefit.

Ask your landlord for a letter if:

• you do not have your tenancy agreement

• your tenancy agreement is old and does not state the rent you pay now

The DWP checks with your landlord anyway. Avoid delays by getting proof before you apply.

Your housing element usually goes into your bank account as part of your monthly UC payment.

Find out when your housing element could be paid direct to your landlord.

Plan for a 5 week wait for your first UC payment

It takes around 5 weeks to get your first UC payment from when you apply.

Your ESA and housing benefit payments should continue for the first 2 weeks.

If you can, try to prepare for the delay by keeping money aside.

You can get an advance payment if you need one. But it has to be paid back from your future UC payments, usually over 2 years. This means you have less to live on while you pay it back.

Find out about:

• universal credit advances

• emergency grants, loans and money help

Get support to move to universal credit

The DWP have a universal credit migration notice helpline on 0800 169 0328. DWP advisers might tell you to call Citizens Advice or another charity for more support.