The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports that more than 95% of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants invited to move have now claimed Universal Credit, totalling 750,423 people. Around 220,000 of those assessed as more likely to need help received tailored assistance through DWP’s Enhanced Support Journey. The department’s press release was published on 14 November 2025, drawing on research issued on 11 November. Since July 2024, ESA groups have been moving at scale.
The Enhanced Support Journey combines outbound calls, text reminders, and, where needed, home visits and casework by specialist teams. DWP’s insight report indicates that for migration notices sent between July 2024 and May 2025, 39% of ESA customers were brought into this enhanced pathway; 59% of those received a successful SMS contact and 14% were referred for a home visit. Operational feedback suggests the approach helped clarify notices, payment dates and budgeting.
Official statistics to the end of September 2025 show 2,351,438 individuals were sent managed migration notices across all legacy benefits, with 1,879,590 making a Universal Credit claim. By that point, 742,845 households had been awarded transitional protection. DWP guidance confirms a three‑month claim window after the notice, and a further month in which a completed claim can still be considered for transitional protection.
For ESA cohorts specifically, DWP’s November analysis records claim rates of 94–99% depending on benefit combinations, notably higher than the overall managed migration average. The department’s communication stresses the importance of responding to the migration notice to maintain entitlement and support.
Non‑response carries consequences. The same statistical release records 346,271 individuals who did not claim Universal Credit within the deadline and had their legacy benefit closed, with a further 125,580 still in progress at the end of September 2025. These figures underline the need for clear case management by advisers and prompt action by claimants.
There are parallel changes to housing support. A DWP circular confirms that The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Commencement No. 35) (Abolition of Benefits) Order 2025 was made on 3 November 2025 and commenced on 14 November 2025. From that date, working‑age claimants moving from temporary or specified accommodation into general needs housing must claim Universal Credit for housing costs; Housing Benefit ends in such cases, with standard run‑on arrangements applying where relevant.
The same government communications indicate the abolition of Income Support and income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance for remaining cases on 1 April 2026, as part of the final phase of legacy benefit closure. Departments and advice agencies should plan caseload reviews and communication schedules accordingly to avoid avoidable gaps in support.
Payment structures will also change from April 2026. The Universal Credit Act 2025 requires minimum above‑inflation uprating of the Universal Credit standard allowance in each year to 2029/30. DWP states this will amount to around £725 more in cash terms by 2029/30 for a single person aged 25 or over, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies describes as the largest permanent real‑terms rise in basic out‑of‑work support since 1980.
At the same time, Parliament’s researchers set out that the health‑related addition for most new claimants assessed with limited capability for work and work‑related activity (LCWRA) will be reduced to around £217.26 per month from April 2026 and frozen through 2029/30, with a protected cohort for existing recipients and for people who are terminally ill or have severe lifelong conditions. This rebalances the standard allowance and health element for future awards.
Support channels remain in place during migration. DWP cites a dedicated helpline, Jobcentre appointments and independent “Help to Claim” assistance delivered by Citizens Advice across Great Britain for people making a Universal Credit claim. Advisers can also arrange phone claims or, in limited circumstances, request home visits where digital access or capability is a barrier.
Governance of disability policy input has been strengthened alongside operational changes. In August 2025, disability rights advocate Zara Todd was appointed Chair of the government’s new Independent Disability Advisory Panel to guide policy design and delivery, with recruitment of panel members following in September and October.
Key dates for planners are now fixed. Research publication on 11 November 2025 and the DWP update on 14 November mark the latest phase, Housing Benefit changes for specified moves took effect on 14 November 2025, and the closure of Income Support and income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance is set for 1 April 2026. DWP’s stated aim is to complete managed migration by March 2026.