The DWP benefits closure means several older “legacy benefits” are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit. Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance have already closed, while income-related ESA and working-age Housing Benefit are expected to end later in 2026.
If you currently receive one of these benefits, you will usually receive a Migration Notice telling you to claim Universal Credit by a set date.
Key points you need to know:
- Income Support and income-based JSA closed on 31 March 2026
- ESA and Housing Benefit for working-age claimants are due to close by the end of summer 2026
- You must claim Universal Credit after receiving a Migration Notice
- Some people can ask for extra time if they struggle to apply
- Transitional protection may stop you losing money immediately
- Pension Credit and some Housing Benefit claims are not affected
Why Is the DWP Closing Historical Benefits and Moving People to Universal Credit?
The Government says the DWP benefits closure is part of its long-running “Move to Universal Credit” campaign. The aim is to replace several older benefits, many of which were created decades ago, with a single system that is designed to be easier to manage and more closely linked to today’s jobs market.
Universal Credit now replaces six older benefits, often called “legacy benefits”. According to the DWP, more than 1.9 million people have already moved across since the campaign restarted in 2022.
The department says this gives people better access to employment support, simpler online claims and one monthly payment instead of several separate ones.
The Government believes the old system had become too complicated because people often had to claim multiple benefits at once. Under Universal Credit, support is brought together in one claim.
The DWP says the move is intended to:
- Simplify the benefits system
- Help people move into work more easily
- Provide more support through Jobcentres
- Reduce confusion caused by overlapping claims
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said:
“Our Move to Universal Credit campaign has been successful in moving over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit system. Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign. In their interests, we are extending the deadline for income-related Employment Support Allowance claimants to move over.”
Which DWP Benefits Have Already Closed?
Two major legacy benefits officially closed on 31 March 2026. These were Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. Anyone still receiving those benefits should now have moved to Universal Credit after receiving a Migration Notice from the DWP.
Income Support was mainly paid to people on a low income who were not required to sign on for work. Income-based JSA was paid to people who were unemployed and looking for work. Both benefits have now been fully replaced by Universal Credit.
The DWP says around 135,000 people claiming these two benefits moved across before the closure date. Earlier changes had already removed other legacy benefits too.
Benefits that have already ended include:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit closed in April 2025. People receiving those payments were also asked to claim Universal Credit instead.
Although these benefits have closed, this does not mean your support disappears automatically. In most cases, you continue receiving financial help through Universal Credit once you complete your new claim.
The Government says Universal Credit better reflects modern working patterns because it adjusts if your income changes. That means if you start work, increase your hours or stop working, the amount you receive can change without needing to make a completely new benefit claim.
Which Benefits Are Still Due to Close Later in 2026?
Although several benefits have already ended, the DWP has not yet completed the move to Universal Credit. Some people are still receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance and working-age Housing Benefit. These are the next benefits expected to close.
The original plan was for all remaining claimants to move over by March 2026. However, the Government has delayed the final deadline because some people need more time and support.
The DWP says the extension is mainly for people who are vulnerable, difficult to contact or facing serious barriers to making a claim.
When Will Income-Related ESA and Housing Benefit End?
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and working-age Housing Benefit are now expected to close by the end of summer 2026.
The DWP says the delay is intended to help a limited number of claimants who have not yet moved to Universal Credit. This includes people with long-term illnesses, disabilities, mental health conditions, learning difficulties or unstable housing situations.
The department believes some claimants need more time because they may:
- Struggle to understand the Migration Notice
- Need help completing an online claim
- Have no internet access
- Require support from a family member, appointee or support worker
The DWP has introduced extra support for these claimants. This includes a dedicated Move to UC Helpline and an “Enhanced Support Journey” for people who have not responded to previous letters.
Under this support process, the DWP may:
- Make additional phone calls
- Contact support organisations
- Arrange home visits
- Help people gather documents and complete forms
The Government says the final stage of the campaign is now focused mainly on ESA claimants. Many of these people are not expected to look for work because of their health conditions.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said:
“This Government is committed to updating the welfare system so that it promotes opportunity, rather than stifling it – as part of our Plan for Change. The campaign means the number of people on Universal Credit has increased, particularly the number of people who receive the benefit with no requirement to look for work. Since June last year, the focus has been on moving vulnerable people from Employment and Support Allowance.”
The DWP has also confirmed that new Universal Credit rules will apply to some future claimants. From April, the lower health element for new claimants is expected to be £217.26 per month, compared with the current higher rate of £429.80.
However, this change only affects new claims and not everyone already receiving support.
Who Will Still Keep Housing Benefit After the Changes?
Not everyone will lose Housing Benefit when the DWP benefits closure is completed. Some people will continue to receive Housing Benefit even after the move to Universal Credit.
Working-age Housing Benefit is staying in place for people living in:
- Temporary accommodation
- Supported accommodation
- Certain specialist housing schemes
This is because Universal Credit does not fully replace Housing Benefit in these situations.
You are also unlikely to be affected if you are over State Pension age. Pension-age Housing Benefit and Pension Credit remain separate benefits and are not currently being replaced by Universal Credit.
That means the following groups can usually continue receiving Housing Benefit:
- Pensioners
- People in temporary accommodation
- People living in supported housing
- Residents in hostels or specialist supported schemes
The Government says these exceptions are important because housing costs in supported accommodation can be more complex. Universal Credit may not cover the full amount, so Housing Benefit will remain for these claimants.
If you are unsure whether your Housing Benefit is affected, it is important to check your latest DWP or council letters. The rules depend on your age, housing situation and whether your benefit is linked to another legacy claim.
How Do You Know If Your Benefit Is Being Closed?
The DWP will normally contact you directly if your benefit is due to end. You should receive a letter called a Migration Notice. This is the main sign that you need to move from a legacy benefit to Universal Credit.
The Migration Notice explains:
- Which benefit is ending
- The deadline for claiming Universal Credit
- What happens if you do not apply in time
- Where to get help
Most people are given around three months to make their new claim. The deadline is printed clearly in the letter. It is important not to ignore it, even if you think the change does not apply to you.
You may receive a Migration Notice if you currently claim:
- Income-related ESA
- Housing Benefit
- Any remaining legacy benefit
The letter may arrive by post, so it is important to keep your address up to date. If you have moved house recently or struggle to open letters, you could miss the notice.
The DWP says it does not move people onto Universal Credit automatically. You must make a new claim yourself after receiving the letter. If you are confused, worried or unsure whether the letter is genuine, you can contact the DWP or seek independent advice before the deadline.
What Happens If You Receive a Migration Notice?
Receiving a Migration Notice does not mean your money stops immediately. It means the DWP has decided that your current benefit is ending and you now need to make a Universal Credit claim.
You usually have around three months to act. During that time, your existing benefit should continue as normal. However, once the deadline passes, your old benefit can stop if you have not applied.
The most important thing is to start your Universal Credit claim as soon as possible rather than waiting until the final week.
How Do You Move From Legacy Benefits to Universal Credit?
To move from a legacy benefit, you need to make a completely new Universal Credit claim. The easiest way is online, although help is available if you cannot use the internet.
You will normally need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Proof of identity
- Details of your rent or mortgage
- Bank account details
- Information about your income, savings and household
The process usually works like this:
- Read your Migration Notice carefully
- Start a Universal Credit claim before the deadline
- Upload or provide the documents requested
- Attend any appointments if required
- Wait for confirmation that your new claim has been accepted
Once your claim is approved, your old benefit ends and Universal Credit begins.
Some people worry that they will be forced to look for work immediately. In reality, this depends on your circumstances. If you have a health condition or disability, you may not be expected to search for work.
The DWP says many ESA claimants moved over without being asked to look for work at all.
Gillian, who made the move to Universal Credit from ESA, said:
“The migration to UC was straightforward, and I’ve been able to access help with skills and volunteering opportunities which I didn’t get on my old benefit. It is far better than ESA, and I’m able to look at my payments beforehand which is really helpful when budgeting for the month ahead. The Jobcentre staff have been amazing too, helping me make the move but also the help they’ve given me to complete a course that will help me move into work.”
Her experience reflects what the DWP says many claimants have found. Universal Credit can offer extra support through Jobcentres, training and budgeting tools that were not available through older benefits.
Can You Ask for More Time to Claim Universal Credit?
Yes. If you cannot make your claim before the deadline, you may be able to ask for an extension.
The DWP says extra time may be given if you have a good reason, such as:
- Illness or hospital treatment
- Mental health difficulties
- Problems understanding the forms
- Waiting for support from a carer or adviser
- Problems accessing the internet or documents
You must ask for the extension before the original deadline in your Migration Notice passes. If you wait until after the deadline, it can be much harder to get help.
The DWP has confirmed there is no fixed limit on how many times you can ask for more time. However, each request can still be refused.
You should contact the DWP as soon as possible if you think you may miss the deadline. The department may ask you why you need more time and what support you require.
Extra support may include:
- A telephone appointment
- Help from the Move to UC Helpline
- A home visit
- Support from a Jobcentre adviser
- Help from a local charity or advice service
The DWP says it is particularly willing to provide more time to people with disabilities, mental health conditions or communication difficulties.
What Happens If You Do Not Move to Universal Credit in Time?
If you do not make a Universal Credit claim before the deadline in your Migration Notice, your old benefit is likely to stop.
For most people, the DWP does not move payments automatically. That means there could be a gap in your money if you miss the deadline and do not apply in time.
You could lose access to:
- Your regular benefit payment
- Help with rent
- Additional support linked to your old claim
Many people wrongly believe their existing benefit will continue until they are ready. In reality, the DWP expects you to act before the deadline.
If you miss the date because of illness, disability or another serious reason, you should contact the DWP immediately. In some cases, you may still be able to ask for extra time or explain why you were unable to apply earlier.
The most important thing is not to ignore the letter. Even if you are unsure what to do, contacting the DWP, Jobcentre or an advice service straight away could help you avoid losing money.
The DWP says the final stages of the migration are focused on helping vulnerable claimants, so support is still available if you are struggling to make the change.
Will You Be Better or Worse Off on Universal Credit?
Whether you are better or worse off on Universal Credit depends on your circumstances. Some people receive more support because Universal Credit combines several payments into one. Others may receive less, especially if they previously claimed older benefits with extra premiums or additions.
The Government says nobody should suddenly lose money when they move through the managed migration process. This is because many claimants receive transitional protection.
What Is Transitional Protection and How Does It Work?
Transitional protection is extra money added to your Universal Credit payment if your new award would otherwise be lower than your old benefits.
This protection is only usually available if:
- You move because of a Migration Notice
- You claim Universal Credit before the deadline
- Your circumstances stay the same
For example, if you previously received £900 a month from your old benefits but Universal Credit only works out at £850, transitional protection could add the missing £50.
However, the extra amount may reduce or stop later if:
- Your income increases
- Someone moves into or out of your home
- You stop claiming for a period of time
- Your circumstances change significantly
Transitional protection is designed to make the change less stressful and avoid an immediate drop in income.
The DWP says this is particularly important for people with disabilities, carers and households receiving several older benefits at once.
How Does Universal Credit Compare With the Old Benefits System?
Universal Credit combines support into one monthly payment. This can make budgeting easier, but it can also feel very different if you are used to receiving separate benefits.
| Old Benefit | What It Did | What Happens Now |
|---|---|---|
| Income Support | Helped people on a low income who were not working | Replaced by Universal Credit |
| Income-based JSA | Supported unemployed people looking for work | Replaced by Universal Credit |
| Income-related ESA | Helped people unable to work because of illness or disability | Being replaced by Universal Credit in 2026 |
| Housing Benefit | Helped pay rent | Usually included in Universal Credit, except in some supported housing cases |
Universal Credit may be better for you if:
- Your income changes regularly
- You move in and out of work
- You want one single payment each month
However, some people may feel worse off because:
- Payments are monthly rather than weekly or fortnightly
- There is usually a five-week wait for the first payment
- Some old disability premiums no longer exist
Despite these concerns, the DWP says many people have found the move easier than expected once they understand the system.
What Support Is Available if You Are Struggling With the Change?
The DWP says extra help is available if you are finding the move difficult. This is particularly important for people with disabilities, health conditions, language barriers or limited internet access.
Support can include a dedicated Move to UC Helpline, help from Jobcentre staff and extra assistance through the Enhanced Support Journey. In some cases, the DWP may arrange a home visit if you cannot manage the process alone.
The department says more than 65,000 people have already used additional support through new Pathways to Work advisers. These advisers provide one-to-one, voluntary help for people with limited capability for work.
You may be able to receive help with:
- Filling in forms
- Uploading documents
- Understanding deadlines
- Budgeting under Universal Credit
- Looking for training or work opportunities
You can also contact Citizens Advice, local councils or disability charities if you need independent support before making your claim.
Which Claims About the DWP Benefits Closure Are False?
There is a lot of confusion about the DWP benefits closure, and some information online is incorrect.
One common false claim is that “all benefits are being abolished”. This is not true. The Government is replacing certain legacy benefits with Universal Credit, not ending all financial support.
Another misunderstanding is that everyone will lose money. Some people may receive less, but others receive more, and transitional protection exists to stop sudden losses for many households.
It is also wrong to believe that the DWP moves everyone automatically. You normally need to make your own Universal Credit claim after receiving a Migration Notice.
The following claims are false:
- “Universal Credit means your support stops”
- “You do not need to do anything”
- “Pensioners will lose all Housing Benefit”
- “Everyone must look for work after moving”
The real position depends on your age, health, housing and current benefit.
What Can You Learn From a Real Example of Someone Moving to Universal Credit?
Real examples can make the DWP benefits closure easier to understand. Gillian moved from ESA to Universal Credit after receiving a Migration Notice.
At first, she was worried that she would lose money or be expected to find work immediately. However, after speaking to the Jobcentre and making her claim, she found the process simpler than expected.
She said Universal Credit gave her:
- Better information about when she would be paid
- Access to volunteering and skills support
- Help from Jobcentre staff
- More confidence about moving towards work
Her experience shows that not everyone is worse off after moving.
Another common situation is when someone misses the letter or struggles to apply. For example, a claimant with poor mental health might not open the Migration Notice for several weeks.
If they contact the DWP before the deadline, they may still be able to ask for more time and receive support from the Enhanced Support Journey.
These examples show that acting early is the best way to avoid problems and keep receiving support.
What Should You Do Now if You Think Your DWP Benefits May Close?
If you currently receive a legacy benefit, the best thing to do is prepare early. Do not wait until your payments stop before checking what is happening.
You should first confirm whether you still receive one of the benefits that is being replaced. Then look out for any letters from the DWP.
Important steps include:
- Check whether you receive ESA, Housing Benefit or another legacy benefit
- Read every DWP letter carefully
- Keep your address and phone number up to date
- Gather documents such as ID, rent details and bank information
- Contact the DWP if you think you may need extra time
If you are worried, seek help from Citizens Advice, a support worker or your local Jobcentre. The earlier you act, the easier it is to avoid delays or gaps in your payments.
Conclusion
The DWP benefits closure does not mean support is disappearing, but it does mean many older benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit.
Income Support and income-based JSA have already ended, while ESA and working-age Housing Benefit are expected to follow later in 2026. If you receive one of these benefits, you should watch for a Migration Notice and act before the deadline.
For many people, the change may feel worrying at first, especially if you have claimed the same benefit for years. However, there is support available, including extra time, helplines and help from Jobcentres.
Transitional protection may also stop you from losing money straight away. The most important step is to respond early, ask for help if needed and make sure you understand how the DWP benefits closure affects your own situation.
FAQs
Can You Still Claim Income Support in 2026?
No, Income Support officially closed on 31 March 2026 for working-age claimants. If you need to make a new claim for financial support, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Will Pension Credit Be Affected by the DWP Benefits Closure?
No, Pension Credit is not part of the DWP benefits closure programme. People over State Pension age can usually continue claiming Pension Credit and any linked Housing Benefit as normal.
Do You Have to Move to Universal Credit if You Receive ESA?
If you receive income-related ESA, you are expected to move to Universal Credit once you receive a Migration Notice. However, contributory or new-style ESA can continue separately and is not being closed.
What Happens to Housing Benefit When You Move?
For most working-age claimants, help with rent becomes part of your Universal Credit payment. However, you may still keep Housing Benefit if you live in temporary or supported accommodation.
Can You Challenge a DWP Decision About Your Benefits?
Yes, you can ask the DWP to reconsider a decision if you think it is wrong. If the decision is not changed, you may then be able to appeal to an independent tribunal.
What Should You Do if You Never Received a Migration Letter?
You should contact the DWP as soon as possible if you think your benefit may be ending but you have not received a letter. It is also important to make sure the DWP has your correct address and contact details.
Are Disabled Claimants Given Extra Time or Support?
Yes, disabled claimants and people with health conditions may be offered more time to make a Universal Credit claim. The DWP can also provide extra help through the Move to UC Helpline, home visits and specialist support advisers.
