Over 22,700 disabled Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants may have lost their benefits entirely during the DWP’s managed migration to Universal Credit, raising serious concerns about access to essential social security support. In Wales alone, 1,127 claimants are affected, according to figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Joel Davies, Policy & Research Officer at the Bevan Foundation, has urged the DWP and Universal Credit teams to address these urgent questions. “Some may have lost access to essential income entirely during the managed migration from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC), according to figures released by the DWP this month,” Davies said.
The Data Behind the Concern
Official DWP records show that between July 2022 and March 2026, 1,127 ESA claimants in Wales did not submit a Universal Credit claim after being instructed to do so. As a result, their cases were closed, cutting off their benefits. Across the UK, 22,687 ESA claimants—or about 2.6% of the total—failed to claim UC after their migration deadlines, with Wales accounting for roughly 2% of these cases.
The managed migration rollout affects six legacy benefits, including ESA. Claimants are issued a so-called managed migration notice, which explains the changes and instructs them to apply for Universal Credit. However, the notice allows just three months for claimants to act, and some are reportedly not following through.
Safeguarding Concerns
Davies describes this as a “safeguarding issue” highlighted by disability groups. While acknowledging the DWP’s efforts to complete the migration, he stresses that the department must ensure no vulnerable claimants fall out of the system.
“There is an understandable sense of achievement emanating from the DWP’s recent updates on the conclusion of the migration process; this has been a gargantuan task,” Davies said. “However, if there are any sick and disabled claimants who have fallen out of the benefits system as a result of this process, no efforts should be spared to find them and get essential support to them. The DWP must up its candour regarding this issue to assuage fears that it is failing to safeguard vulnerable people and set out how it plans to redress the circumstances of those who may have lost out.”
What Claimants Should Do
For ESA recipients who have received a managed migration notice but have not yet applied for Universal Credit, urgent action is recommended. Contacting the DWP promptly is the safest way to ensure benefits are not permanently lost.
FAQs
1. What is managed migration?
It is the DWP’s process of moving claimants from legacy benefits, like ESA, to Universal Credit.
2. How long do claimants have to apply after receiving a notice?
Three months from receiving the managed migration notice.
3. What happens if a claimant misses the deadline?
The legacy benefit claim may be closed, potentially cutting off all support.
4. How many claimants in Wales are affected?
1,127 ESA claimants did not submit a Universal Credit claim after their deadline.
5. What should affected claimants do?
Contact the DWP immediately to reinstate benefits and secure support.
