Alicia
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial update for those on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and legacy benefits, as part of the final preparations for sweeping changes in April 2026.
With Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) set to be phased out and replaced by Universal Credit (UC), claimants must understand how these adjustments—particularly to the health element—could affect them.
ESA to Universal Credit Migration
All individuals claiming Income-Related ESA are scheduled to complete their managed migration to Universal Credit by March 2026.
The DWP will move these claimants into the new Universal Credit Health Element (UCHE), ensuring their support continues during the transition.
Claimants will receive migration notices alerting them to apply for UC before a set deadline—or risk losing benefits and access to transitional protections.
Key Reform Points from April 2026
The upcoming Universal Credit Bill introduces major reforms that will reshape benefit support:
| Change | Existing Claimants | New Claimants from April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Universal Credit Allowance | Will increase above inflation through 2029/30 | Same increase applies to new applicants |
| Health Element (UCHE) | Protected (linked to Severe Conditions or end-of-life status) | Reduced to £50/week (~£217/month); no inflation uprating |
| Right to Try Guarantee | Applies to both groups—allowed to test work without reassessment | |
| PIP Eligibility Changes | Suspended until post-review | No immediate changes |
| PIP Assessment Review | Led by Minister Sir Stephen Timms, co-produced with disabled persons |
What ‘Right to Try Guarantee’ Means
This new guarantee allows claimants with disabilities or health conditions to take on work opportunities without risking their benefits or facing reassessment if it doesn’t work out.
This legal protection applies to both existing and new UC health element recipients and supports safer transitions back into work.
Impact on Claimants
- ESA claimants must respond promptly to migration notices to secure transitional protection, which prevents financial loss during the shift to UC.
- Existing recipients with severe long-term or terminal health conditions will retain current support rates and see their total UC package rise at least in line with inflation from 2026 to 2029/30.
- New claimants, however, will receive a significantly lower health element, making it crucial to understand these changes before applying.
The DWP’s update marks a critical shift for anyone claiming PIP or legacy benefits like ESA. With managed migration to UC set for completion by March 2026, and reforms that substantially reduce new health top-ups, knowing your rights—and acting quickly—is essential.
The Right to Try Guarantee and protections for those with severe conditions offer some relief, but claimants must stay informed and respond to migration notices to safeguard their income.
FAQs
What happens if I ignore the migration notice?
If you fail to claim Universal Credit by your migration deadline, you’ll lose access to your legacy benefits and forfeit transitional protection. You may also end up worse off financially.
Will my PIP be affected by these changes?
No immediate changes are being made to PIP. Any future adjustments are deferred pending the review led by Minister Timms, which will be co-produced with disabled individuals and stakeholders.
How much more will I get from the standard UC allowance?
The standard UC allowance will rise above inflation each year until 2029/30, resulting in a real terms increase of approximately £725 annually for a single adult aged 25+ by 2029/30.