Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the next Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit set to be phased out as part of the transition to Universal Credit. This change affects those who are claiming ESA either independently or in conjunction with Housing Benefit.

This shift involves integrating six legacy benefits into the Universal Credit system, one at a time. Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits were the first benefits to be officially discontinued in this transition. Tax Credits ceased in April. The final deadline to switch to Universal Credit with passed earlier this month. ESA claimants are next in line to make the transition and should be receiving by September, if they haven't already.

This crucial letter outlines the subsequent steps you need to take, as well as the deadline to apply for the new benefit.

According to , the DWP plans to distribute 83,000 notices every month to ESA recipients, with the final letters hitting doormats in September.

When you get your letter, you will have three months to apply for Universal Credit, as reported by .

If you miss your deadline or apply before receiving a migration notice you can still claim Universal Credit, but you won't be eligible for the transitional protection on offer.

This safeguard is designed to prevent individuals from being financially disadvantaged during the migration, even if they don't meet all of UC's eligibility requirements.

The Government has clarified the process, stating: "If the amount you're entitled to on your existing or previous benefits is more than you'll get on Universal Credit, a top-up is available.

"You do not need to apply for transitional protection. It will be paid to you automatically if you get a Migration Notice letter and make a Universal Credit claim by your deadline date."

Should you miss the deadline for a valid reason, you can reach out to the , which may grant you an extension.

Benefits and Work offers guidance, suggesting: "The most important thing is not to panic when you get the migration notice - don't ignore it, but don't rush into things either. The key here is that doing nothing isn't an option - this change will affect all income-related ESA claimants at some point."

DWP figures show that up to 70% of claimants initiate their UC claim only 12 weeks after receiving their migration notice.

Other benefits set to be consolidated into UC include Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Housing Benefit, with the exception of those in supported or temporary accommodation.