Important Information About Changes to Legacy Benefits
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit—known as legacy benefits—are being phased out as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) transitions claimants to Universal Credit.
If you currently receive either of these benefits, you will receive a letter called a Migration Notice, inviting you to apply for Universal Credit. This change is not automatic—your legacy benefits will stop after the deadline stated in the letter.
Transitional Protection
If you are already receiving legacy benefits and have received your Migration Notice, you are entitled to transitional protection. This means your payments should remain the same when you move to Universal Credit.
However:
- If you do not apply before the deadline, you will lose this protection and your payments may be reduced.
- You will not receive transitional protection if you apply before receiving your Migration Notice.
Supportive Measures in Scotland
In Scotland, Universal Credit claimants can benefit from additional support:
- You can request to be paid twice a month instead of monthly.
- You can ask for your rent to be paid directly to your landlord, rather than receiving it yourself.
Applying for Universal Credit
If you currently receive ESA with an income-related top-up, or if you have limited internet access, you can request to apply over the phone.
You’ll need the following information:
- Bank, building society, or credit union account details
- Email address (if applicable)
- Access to a phone
- Housing details (e.g. rent amount and landlord information)
- Earnings (e.g. payslips)
- Details of any disability or health condition affecting your ability to work
- Childcare costs (if applicable)
- Savings and investments (e.g. shares or rental property)
To verify your identity, you may be asked to provide:
- Driving licence
- Passport
- Debit or credit card
- Payslip or P60
Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme (SIBSS) Payments
If you receive payments from SIBSS, any compensation you’ve received—or will receive—is not classed as capital and should not affect your Universal Credit claim.
You can show your SIBSS letter to the DWP. If you no longer have a copy, you can request one by contacting:
📧 nss.sibss@nhs.scot
📍 Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme
Practitioner Services
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB
Next Steps
After submitting your application (online or by phone), you’ll be invited to meet your Work Coach at your local Jobcentre. This is a good opportunity to bring any documents needed for identity verification or proof of SIBSS compensation.
Need Help?
This process can feel overwhelming, but delaying your application could result in losing payments you’re entitled to.
Maxie Cobern-Burke, our Financial Wellbeing Officer, is here to help.
You can book a face-to-face appointment at your local Haemophilia Centre.
Text/Call/WhatsApp: 07746 255 225
Email: fwo@haemophilia.scot