If you currently receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, those benefits have now officially ended and you must claim Universal Credit to continue receiving support. The move is not automatic. You need to follow the instructions in your DWP migration letter before the deadline shown, otherwise your payments may stop and you could lose extra financial protection.
Key points you need to know:
- Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance closed from 1 April 2026
- You must make a new Universal Credit claim yourself
- The DWP sends a migration notice explaining what to do
- Missing the deadline can stop your benefits completely
- Claiming in time may protect your current payment amount through Transitional Protection
- You can ask for more time if you have a good reason before the deadline expires
- Extra help is available through Jobcentres, the Move to UC Helpline and home visits for vulnerable claimants
Which Two Benefits Has DWP Stopped and Why Are They Ending?
The two benefits that have now stopped are Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. These were among the last remaining “legacy benefits” still being paid before the Government completed its move to Universal Credit.
The DWP says these older benefits no longer reflect how people work and claim support today. Instead of running several separate systems, the Government is replacing them with one benefit, Universal Credit, which combines support for living costs, housing and job seeking in a single monthly payment.
More than 135,000 people receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance have already been moved onto Universal Credit as part of the wider “Move to UC” campaign. In total, over 1.9 million people have already switched from older benefits.
The Government says this change is intended to make the welfare system simpler and give claimants easier access to work support through local Jobcentres.
Why Do You Need to Act if You Receive a DWP Migration Notice?
If you receive a DWP migration notice, you must act because your old benefit will not automatically continue or transfer to Universal Credit. The DWP requires you to make a completely new Universal Credit claim before the date shown in your letter.
Many people assume the move happens automatically because they are already receiving benefits. However, that is not the case. If you do nothing, your current payments can stop when the deadline passes.
Your migration notice usually tells you:
- Which benefit is ending
- The date your existing payments will stop
- The deadline for claiming Universal Credit
- How to make your claim online or by phone
- What documents or information you may need
Claiming before the deadline is important for another reason. It protects your right to Transitional Protection, which is extra money added if your Universal Credit amount would otherwise be lower than your previous benefits.
The DWP has repeatedly warned claimants not to ignore the letter. According to the Government, nearly two million people have already moved successfully, but those who delay may face a gap in support or lose money unnecessarily.
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.” He also said vulnerable people remain the priority during the transition.
What Does the DWP Letter Say and What Deadline Must You Follow?
The DWP letter is the most important document you will receive if your benefit is ending. It explains exactly what you need to do, when you need to do it and what may happen if you miss the deadline. Before taking any action, read every part of the letter carefully and keep it somewhere safe.
What Is a Universal Credit Migration Notice?
A Universal Credit migration notice is an official letter sent by the DWP to people still receiving legacy benefits. It tells you that your existing benefit is ending and that you need to claim Universal Credit instead.
The letter usually includes:
- Your name and National Insurance details
- Which benefit is ending
- The final date your old benefit will be paid
- Instructions for starting a Universal Credit claim
- A deadline for making that claim
You may also receive information about support available if you have difficulty using the online system or if you need help gathering documents.
The migration notice is different from a general DWP letter because it creates a legal deadline. Once the date passes, your old benefit can stop completely.
As part of the campaign, the DWP has sent millions of these notices to claimants receiving older benefits including Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
How Much Time Do You Have to Apply for Universal Credit?
Most people are given around three months from the date on the migration notice to make their Universal Credit claim. The exact date is written clearly in the letter. You should not wait until the final week because making a Universal Credit claim can take time.
You may need to:
- Create an online account
- Verify your identity
- Provide bank details
- Upload evidence about your income, rent or children
- Attend an appointment at the Jobcentre
If any information is missing, the claim process may take longer than expected. Applying early gives you more time to fix any problems before the deadline.
For example, if your letter says your deadline is 30 June 2026, you should try to begin your Universal Credit claim well before that date. Waiting until after the deadline could stop your payments and remove your right to extra support.
One claimant, Gillian, said the move was easier than expected:
“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 completed a course that will help me move into work.”
Can You Ask DWP for More Time Before the Deadline?
Yes. If you have a good reason why you cannot make your Universal Credit claim before the deadline, you can ask the DWP for more time.
The Government says extensions are available if you need additional support or if circumstances make it difficult for you to claim in time.
This may apply if you:
- Have a serious illness or disability
- Are in hospital
- Need help with online forms
- Have caring responsibilities
- Are dealing with homelessness or other personal difficulties
You must ask for the extension before your original deadline expires. If you wait until after the date in your letter, the DWP may refuse your request.
The DWP has also confirmed there is no fixed limit on how many times you can request an extension. However, each request is considered individually and can still be refused.
Sir Stephen Timms said:
“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. 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.”
How Do You Move From Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance to Universal Credit?
Moving from Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance to Universal Credit usually begins when you receive your migration notice. You then need to start a new Universal Credit claim online or by contacting the DWP if you cannot use the internet.
During the claim, you may be asked for:
- Proof of identity
- Your address and rent details
- Information about savings or earnings
- Details of any children or caring responsibilities
- Your bank account details
Once your claim is submitted, the DWP may invite you to a Jobcentre appointment or telephone interview. After your Universal Credit claim is approved, your old benefit normally ends automatically.
The most important thing is to make the new claim before your deadline. If you do this, your payments should continue without a major break and you may still qualify for Transitional Protection if your Universal Credit award is lower than your previous benefit amount.
What Happens if You Do Not Move to Universal Credit Before the Deadline?
If you do not move to Universal Credit before the deadline in your migration notice, your existing benefit can end completely. The DWP does not automatically continue your old payments once the date has passed. This is why it is important to act as soon as you receive the letter, even if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Will Your Benefit Payments Stop Completely?
Yes. If you do not make a Universal Credit claim before the deadline, the DWP can stop your Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance payments.
Once your benefit ends, you may be left with no income until you make a new claim. Universal Credit claims can take several weeks to process, so delaying may leave you without money for food, rent or bills.
The DWP has confirmed that:
- Your old benefit does not continue automatically
- You must make a fresh Universal Credit claim
- Late claims can create a gap in payments
- You may have to wait several weeks for your first Universal Credit payment
For some vulnerable people, this can be especially difficult. Reports have warned that missing the deadline may increase the risk of rent arrears or financial hardship.
Could You Lose Transitional Protection if You Miss the Deadline?
Yes. Missing the deadline can mean losing Transitional Protection completely. Transitional Protection is the extra amount added to your Universal Credit if your new payment would otherwise be lower than the amount you received before.
However, you only qualify if you claim Universal Credit within the deadline in your migration notice.
If you miss that date:
- You can still apply for Universal Credit later
- But you will not receive Transitional Protection
- Your monthly income could be lower permanently
For example, if you previously received £600 each month from your old benefits but your Universal Credit entitlement is only £450, claiming on time could protect the extra £150. Missing the deadline means that extra amount is lost.
The Government has repeatedly said that claimants should not ignore the date in their letter if they want to avoid being worse off financially.
What Happens if You Ignore the DWP Letter?
Ignoring the DWP letter is one of the biggest risks during the move to Universal Credit. The DWP sends the letter because action is required. If you leave it unopened or decide to deal with it later, your current benefit can stop without further warning.
You may then face:
- Loss of your current benefit payments
- A delay before receiving Universal Credit
- Loss of Transitional Protection
- Problems paying rent or household bills
The DWP has introduced extra support for people who do not respond, including home visits and tailored contact through its Enhanced Support Journey. However, these measures are not guaranteed to reach everyone in time.
One DWP spokesperson explained that vulnerable customers are being given more support, but they still need to respond to the migration process themselves.
Will You Receive the Same Amount of Money on Universal Credit?
Not always. Some people will receive a similar amount on Universal Credit, while others may receive less or more depending on their personal circumstances. The DWP introduced Transitional Protection to prevent some claimants from immediately losing money when they move.
What Is Transitional Protection and How Does It Work?
Transitional Protection is extra money added to your Universal Credit if the amount you receive would otherwise be lower than your old benefit payments.
You only get this protection if:
- You move to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice
- You claim before the deadline in your letter
- You remain continuously entitled to Universal Credit
The extra amount is designed to top up your Universal Credit so you are not worse off at the start of the move.
For example:
| Previous Benefit Amount | Standard Universal Credit | Transitional Protection | Total New Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| £600 per month | £450 per month | £150 per month | £600 per month |
Over time, the Transitional Protection amount can reduce if your circumstances change or if your normal Universal Credit entitlement increases.
Real Example: How a Claimant Could Keep the Same Monthly Income?
Imagine you currently receive:
- £400 from Income Support
- £200 in Housing Benefit
That means your total monthly support is £600.
After moving to Universal Credit, the DWP calculates that you are entitled to only £520 each month. Because you claimed before the deadline, Transitional Protection adds another £80 so your total stays at £600.
This means you are not immediately worse off when the move happens. However, the extra protection is not permanent in every situation.
The DWP says the following changes can reduce or end Transitional Protection:
- A significant increase in earnings
- Moving in with a partner
- Leaving Universal Credit and reclaiming later
- A change in household circumstances
Which Changes Could Affect Future Universal Credit Payments?
Even if you initially receive the same amount, your future Universal Credit payments may change.
Your payment could increase or decrease if:
- Your rent changes
- Your working hours change
- You move home
- Your children leave education
- Your health condition changes
- You start living with another adult
The Government has also announced changes to the health element of Universal Credit for new claimants. From April 2026, some new claimants may receive a lower health element of £217.26 a month instead of the current higher rate of £429.80.
This change only affects some future claimants and does not remove Transitional Protection for people who move before their deadline. However, it means some people may receive a different amount from what they expected after changing to Universal Credit.
Why Has DWP Delayed the Move for ESA and Housing Benefit Claimants?
The DWP has delayed the final move for some people receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit because many of these claimants are considered vulnerable or harder to contact.
Instead of ending those benefits immediately, the Government has extended the deadline until the end of summer 2026. This gives extra time to people who may have difficulty using online systems, understanding the process or responding quickly.
The DWP says the delay is mainly intended for:
- People with serious health conditions
- Those with disabilities or learning difficulties
- Homeless claimants
- People who need an appointee to manage their claim
Working-age Housing Benefit will also continue for people living in temporary or supported accommodation.
The Government says this extra time is intended to prevent vulnerable claimants from losing support while the move to Universal Credit continues.
What Support Is Available if You Struggle to Move to Universal Credit?
If you are struggling to move to Universal Credit, extra support is available and you do not have to manage the process alone. The DWP has introduced several forms of help for people who find the move difficult, particularly older claimants, disabled people and anyone without internet access.
You may be able to get:
- Help through the Move to UC Helpline
- Support from Jobcentre staff
- A home visit if you cannot travel
- Assistance with online forms and identity checks
- More time to make your claim
The DWP also offers an “Enhanced Support Journey” for people who have not responded to letters. This can include direct contact, extra reminders and home visits.
According to the Government, more than 65,000 people have already used extra work and support services after moving to Universal Credit.
A claimant named Gillian described the support positively. She 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.”
What Should You Do Now if You Think Your Benefits Are Affected?
If you think your benefits may be affected, do not wait for your payments to stop. Check whether you have received a DWP migration notice and read it carefully.
You should take these steps straight away:
- Check which benefit you currently receive
- Look for any letter from the DWP about Universal Credit
- Note the deadline written in the letter
- Start your Universal Credit claim as soon as possible
- Ask for help if you do not understand the process
If you need more time, contact the DWP before the deadline and explain why. Extensions are often available where there is a good reason.
You should also keep copies of:
- Your migration notice
- Any emails or messages from the DWP
- Confirmation that you submitted your Universal Credit claim
Acting early gives you the best chance of keeping your payments, avoiding delays and protecting any extra support available through Transitional Protection. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of losing money or being left without support.
Conclusion
The DWP has now stopped Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance as part of the move to Universal Credit. If you receive one of these benefits, the most important thing is to read your migration notice and make your Universal Credit claim before the deadline.
The move is not automatic, but claiming in time can help protect your payments and ensure you keep any Transitional Protection you are entitled to. If you ignore the letter or wait too long, your benefits may stop completely.
Although the process can feel worrying or confusing, support is available. The DWP, Jobcentres and the Move to UC Helpline can all help if you need extra time or assistance. Taking action now is the safest way to avoid losing support and keep your finances stable during the change.
FAQs
Can you still receive Income Support after April 2026?
No. Income Support has now officially ended for working-age claimants and has been replaced by Universal Credit.
What happens if you miss the Universal Credit migration deadline?
Your existing benefit payments may stop completely if you do not claim Universal Credit before the deadline. You could also lose Transitional Protection and receive less money in future.
Can the DWP automatically move you to Universal Credit?
No. The move is not automatic and you must make a new Universal Credit claim yourself. The DWP will send you a migration notice explaining what you need to do.
Can you get more time to apply for Universal Credit?
Yes. You can ask the DWP for an extension before your deadline if you have a good reason, such as illness, disability or problems using the online system.
Will Housing Benefit stop when you move to Universal Credit?
For most working-age claimants, Housing Benefit will end and be included within Universal Credit instead. However, Housing Benefit may continue if you live in temporary or supported accommodation.
Can you still receive Transitional Protection if you apply late?
No. Transitional Protection is normally only available if you apply for Universal Credit before the deadline in your migration notice. Applying after the deadline usually means you lose that extra protection.
Who should contact the Move to UC Helpline?
Anyone who is confused, struggling to apply or worried about missing their deadline should contact the helpline. It is especially useful for people with health conditions, disabilities or limited internet access.
