News & Events

This edition will explore the Winter Fuel Payment, which supports older individuals during the colder months. Next, we’ll address the migration of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants onto Universal Credit, highlighting the transition process and its implications. Finally, we’ll share a good news story emphasising positive developments.

2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment

If you are of state pension age or above, receive Pension Credit, and qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment but have not yet received a payment by 29 January 2025, please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160 between 8am and 6pm for assistance.

Migration of ESA claimants onto Universal Credit

Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is ending soon.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending Migration Notices to people currently receiving Income-Related ESA. When you receive your notice, pay close attention to your deadline date and make sure you apply for Universal Credit (UC) before this date. Your existing ESA and in some cases Housing Benefit, will end on your deadline date-even if you don’t apply for Universal Credit (UC). This means your payments will stop, and you could lose your benefits.

If you need help with your UC application, don’t hesitate to contact our Welfare Advice Team by calling 0800 054 6710 or emailing income@ccha.co.uk.

Good News Story

We received a call from one of our residents who receives ESA, PIP, and Housing Benefit. They had received a Migration notice telling them to claim Universal Credit (UC) by 10 February 2025. The resident was worried that they might receive less money on UC than with ESA. We assured them that if the DWP calculates their UC and it’s less than their ESA and Housing Benefit, it would be topped up through Transitional Protection. During our review, we also found that their ESA payment had been lower than expected, which resulted in them receiving over £20,000 in backdated benefits. Since they addressed this before their UC Migration deadline, they will also receive more transitional protection on their UC.

If you want our Welfare Advisors to verify your legacy benefits before switching to Universal Credit, please call us at 0800 054 6710 or email income@ccha.co.uk. Make sure to do this before your deadline day unless you’ve requested an extension from the DWP.

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