TL;DR
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance has been replaced by Universal Credit through managed migration. People still on income-related ESA receive a migration notice telling them to claim Universal Credit by a deadline, usually three months from the date of the letter. Transitional protection can stop you losing money at the point of moving. New Style ESA, the contribution-based version, is not affected and continues alongside Universal Credit.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
Why ESA is moving to Universal Credit
Universal Credit has replaced a group of older means-tested benefits, including income-related Employment and Support Allowance. The process of moving remaining claimants across is called managed migration. If you were receiving income-related ESA, your support is being moved to Universal Credit rather than continuing under the old system.
The migration notice
You are not moved automatically. Instead you receive a letter called a migration notice that tells you that you need to claim Universal Credit, and by when. The deadline is usually three months from the date of the letter. It is important to claim by that deadline, because your old benefit will stop, and claiming on time is what protects your entitlement.
Transitional protection
To prevent people losing money simply because of the move, managed migration can include a transitional element. This is an extra amount added to your Universal Credit, calculated by comparing your previous entitlement with your new Universal Credit award, so that you are not immediately worse off at the point of moving. The transitional element can reduce over time as other parts of your award change.
If you received the severe disability premium
People who received the severe disability premium with their old benefit may be entitled to additional transitional protection when they move to Universal Credit. If this applies to you, it is worth getting advice so that the protection is correctly included in your new award.
Why New Style ESA is different
New Style ESA is the contribution-based form of Employment and Support Allowance and is not part of this migration. It remains open to new claims and continues for existing claimants. You can receive New Style ESA at the same time as Universal Credit; where you get both, your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of New Style ESA, but claiming it still gives you National Insurance credits.
What to do if you get a migration notice
If you receive a migration notice, claim Universal Credit before the deadline in the letter. If you are unsure how the move will affect your income, or you cannot meet the deadline, contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline or a free adviser. Acting before the deadline is the single most important step to avoid a gap in your support.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. Migration rules and protections can change. If you receive a migration notice, get advice from a free adviser such as Citizens Advice on how the move affects you. See the GOV.UK source below.
Frequently asked questions
Is income-related ESA ending?
Yes. It has been replaced by Universal Credit through managed migration.
How will I be moved to Universal Credit?
You receive a migration notice letter telling you to claim Universal Credit, usually within three months of the date on the letter.
Will I lose money when I move?
A transitional element can be added to your Universal Credit so you are not immediately worse off at the point of moving.
Is New Style ESA affected?
No. New Style ESA continues and can be claimed alongside Universal Credit, with your Universal Credit reduced by the amount of ESA.
What if I miss the deadline?
Your old benefit can stop, so it is important to claim by the deadline. Contact the Migration Notice helpline or an adviser if you cannot.
