The final phase of the move from income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit (UC) is now under way. All remaining claimants still receiving old-style ESA are being contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and invited to claim UC by September 2025. Here’s a summary of the key changes and what to watch out for: Migration Timeline The government has brought the deadline forward from December to September 2025 due to the pace of progress. As of March, 200,000 ESA claimants have already been moved across to UC. Around 83,000 migration notices are now being issued each month. Enhanced Support for Vulnerable Claimants If someone doesn’t claim UC by week 12 of receiving their migration notice, the DWP will start what’s called the ‘Enhanced Support Journey’. This includes: Text messages and phone calls to the claimant A possible referral to Citizens Advice or a complex case coach Home visits where needed An automatic four-week extension to the deadline if a home visit is arranged This process is in place to make sure vulnerable or hard-to-reach claimants don’t miss out on support. Special Situations Claimants in hospital, care homes, or supported accommodation can receive home visits to help them make a claim. If someone already has an appointee, that role must be transferred to UC. Appointees will receive the migration notice directly and can complete the UC claim on the claimant’s behalf. Transitional Protections To honour the commitment that no one should be worse off when moving to UC, the DWP offers transitional elements for eligible claimants. This means: If someone’s total legacy benefits are higher than their initial UC entitlement, a transitional amount is added This amount is gradually reduced over time as UC increases (except for the childcare element) Severe Disability Premium (SDP) Claimants who previously received the SDP may qualify for a separate transitional SDP element, depending on their circumstances. There are three fixed rates depending on the individual or household situation, with additional amounts available in some cases, such as for enhanced disability or disabled children. What If the Deadline Is Missed? If a claim is made within one month (minus one day) after the deadline, it may still count as a ‘qualifying claim’. In that case, the UC award should be backdated to the original deadline date. If transitional elements are missing, advisers should request a mandatory reconsideration and appeal if necessary. Claimants can also request deadline extensions or ask for the migration notice to be cancelled. This is at the discretion of the DWP and may be considered in cases of illness, hospitalisation, or other serious circumstances. Changes to Permitted Work Under ESA, permitted work could be done within strict income and hour limits without affecting entitlement. UC does not have an equivalent rule. Instead, earnings are subject to a work allowance and taper rate. The DWP has confirmed that claimants migrating to UC will not be penalised for permitted work carried out under ESA. Need Advice? CHAP’s advisers are here to help people navigate the migration process. We can: Explain deadlines and what they mean Support claimants with their UC application Help challenge decisions and secure transitional protection Offer ongoing advice as circumstances change If you're unsure how these changes affect you - or someone you know - please get in touch. Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the online chat feature here on our website.

We’re constantly exposed to messages telling us to keep up - with fashion, tech gadgets, trends, and lifestyles that look perfect on social media. It’s no wonder so many people, especially parents, feel the pressure to spend beyond their means just so their kids don’t feel left out at school. It’s so easy to fall into the trap. Store cards with 'buy now, pay later' deals, flashy introductory offers, and limited-time discounts are designed to create a sense of urgency - like if you don’t act now, you’re missing out. But what’s really being missed is usually the small print… high APR rates often leading to debt stress, and long-term financial strain. This cycle of consumerism isn’t by accident - it’s carefully crafted to keep us buying, borrowing and feeling like we’re never quite enough unless we have the next best thing. But here’s the truth: it’s OK to opt out . You don’t have to compete. You don’t need to upgrade. If something still fits, still works and still does the job - just keep using it. You'll be helping yourself and the planet. Living within your means isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s brave. It’s wise. It's not a downgrade; it’s freedom - and it’s more comfortable in the long run. Choose peace over pressure. Your wellbeing matters more than what’s currently 'on trend'. We can help If you're facing debt worries and don't know where to turn, get in touch with CHAP. Our services are free and we can help you take the first steps towards a more stable financial future. Make an appointment by calling Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the chat feature here on our website.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, CHAP staff, board members and supporters laced up their walking shoes on Friday 16th May and set off from CentreStage in Kilmarnock on an 18-mile journey to our main office in Ardrossan. The Killie 2 Coast walk was our first long-distance fundraising event, and we’re delighted to say that it was a brilliant success! We couldn't have hoped for better weather - but, with temperatures soaring and the sun shining all day, the walk was as much a test of stamina as it was a show of solidarity. The effort paid off though - not just in steps, but in generosity. We’ve raised an incredible £2,265 so far , with donations still coming in. The event brought together colleagues, supporters, and community members with a shared focus: raising awareness of mental wellbeing and the importance of reaching out for help when facing tough challenges. The Killie 2 Coast walk was more than just a fundraiser - it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the collective commitment to supporting better mental health. All donations will go toward helping CHAP continue delivering free advice and support to individuals and families across Ayrshire. A Huge Thank You We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in the walk, supported our team, or helped behind the scenes. Your encouragement and kindness truly kept spirits high - especially during the tougher stretches of the route! We’d also like to extend a special thanks to these fantastic local businesses who sponsored or donated to support the event: Active Office Group Ardeer Community Centre, Stevenston ASDA, Ardrossan Barry Devlin Services Ltd, Knockentiber Brownings the Bakers Card Factory, Saltcoats CS Recovery Ltd Dreghorn Library Kilwinning Community Sports Club Tesco Extra, Kilmarnock The Working Wardrobe Your generosity helped provide essential refreshments, supplies and encouragement along the way. If you’d still like to contribute, donations will remain open until the end of May - JUSTGIVING Thank you again to everyone who made the day so special!

Following the recent announcement of our upcoming Killie 2 Coast fundraising walk on Friday 16th May, we’re excited to share more details about the big day! This scenic, 18-mile long-distance trek starts from our outreach hub at CentreStage in Kilmarnock and finishes at our main office on Princes Street in Ardrossan. Below, you’ll find the planned route, key checkpoints with coordinates, and approximate distances and timings to help you prepare. If you're planning to join us, please remember to wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear, as we’ll be covering a fair distance over varied terrain. Hopefully, the sun will be shining on the 16th - if it does, please remember to wear sun cream, and a hat for protection throughout the day. Whether you're keen to take on the full challenge or join us for a particular section of the walk, there’s still time to register and get involved. We’d love for you to be part of this meaningful journey as we raise vital funds to support people across Ayrshire with housing, money advice, and welfare rights. Sign up to participate (before 14th May) here . If you're able to make a donation for our charity, please do so here . Many thanks to everyone who has signed up and/or donated so far - your support is very much appreciated! Killie 2 Coast Route The full K2C walking route is available to view here . Please remember to zoom in to see the route in more detail. Checkpoints There will be 4 checkpoints along the route where people are welcome to join us for a few miles. Registered participants joining us at each checkpoint are required to report to a marshal or member of staff (wearing a blue high-vis vest) on arrival. All participants will then be issued with an orange high-vis vest and a bottle of water. Basic first aid will be available at each checkpoint if required. For location accuracy, we are using 'What 3 Words' . You can find out more here . ------------------------------------------------------- Section 1 - Kilmarnock to Knockentiber Google Maps Distance: 2.5 miles Time: 1hr (approx.) Starting Point CentreStage Entrance, Kilmarnock Google Map Coordinates - 55.608332, -4.493318 What 3 Words - ///billiard.race.suits Checkpoint 1 Kilmaurs Road (Barry Devlin Services car park) Google Map Coordinates - 55.625118, -4.542270 What 3 Words - ///goals.stack.scenes To watch a video slideshow of this section please view on YouTube . ------------------------------------------------------- Section 2 - Knockentiber to Dreghorn Google Maps Distance: 4 miles Time: 1hr 15mins (approx.) Joining Point Kilmaurs Road (Barry Devlin Services car park) Google Map Coordinates - 55.625118, -4.542270 What 3 Words - ///goals.stack.scenes Checkpoint 2 Dreghorn, Station Brae (car park next to the Annick Water bridge) Google Map Coordinates - 55.611158, -4.620263 What 3 Words - ///meatballs.punctured.desktop To watch a video slideshow of this section please view on YouTube . ------------------------------------------------------- Section 3 - Dreghorn to Irvine Google Maps Distance: 3.5 miles Time: 1hr (approx.) Joining Point Dreghorn, Station Brae (car park next to the Annick Water bridge) Google Map Coordinates - 55.611158, -4.620263 What 3 Words - ///meatballs.punctured.desktop Checkpoint 3 Irvine, Low Green (West Road Centre car park) Google Map Coordinates - 55.617022, -4.672991 What 3 Words - ///marble.ties.famous To watch a video slideshow of this section please view on YouTube . ------------------------------------------------------- Section 4 - Irvine to Stevenston Google Maps Distance: 5.5 miles Time: 2hrs (approx.) Joining Point Irvine, Low Green (West Road Centre car park) Google Map Coordinates - 55.617022, -4.672991 What 3 Words - ///marble.ties.famous Checkpoint 4 Ardeer Quarry Nature Reserve, Stevenston (car park at the end of Moorpark Road East) Google Map Coordinates - 55.636594, -4.749428 What 3 Words - ///corrects.lease.enlighten To watch a video slideshow of this section please view on YouTube . ------------------------------------------------------- Section 5 - Stevenston to Ardrossan Google Maps Distance: 3.5 miles Time: 1hr 15mins (approx.) Joining Point Ardeer Quarry Nature Reserve, Stevenston (car park at the end of Moorpark Road East) Google Map Coordinates - 55.636594, -4.749428 What 3 Words - ///corrects.lease.enlighten Finish Point CHAP Office, The Michael Lynch Centre for Enterprise, Princes Street, Ardrossan KA22 8DG Google Map Coordinates - 55.63970646085093, -4.813280512644558 What 3 Words - ///crowds.pump.tides To watch a video slideshow of this section please view on YouTube . ------------------------------------------------------- To keep up to date with the latest Killie 2 Coast news and plans, please follow us on Facebook .