NewsBeat
DWP issues Universal Credit update to millions of claimants
It follows letters being sent out to certain claimants.
Millions of people on older benefits have gradually been moved over to the new Universal Credit benefit.
The process to move people over from these previous payments, known as ‘legacy benefits’, has been going on in stages for several years.
Children deserve to understand decisions that affect their lives
The government has published a guide for children aged 5 to 11 to explain the ‘Our Children, Our Future: Tackling Child Poverty’ strategyhttps://t.co/RG3w6y0mjX pic.twitter.com/olF3dGh0Wv
— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) March 13, 2026
The DWP previously confirmed that some benefits would end at the end of March 2026 as part of the project.
Six legacy benefits changing:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The DWP was asked for an update on the project and who is left to move over to Universal Credit.
A DWP spokesperson told The Mirror: “The department has been migrating people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit since 2022 and most have now moved.
“Help is at hand for those making the move to Universal Credit, including our dedicated helpline, guidance on gov.uk, and the Citizens Advice’s free and independent Help to Claim service.
“All legacy benefit claimants who have received a migration notice continue to receive their legacy benefit up until the point they move over to Universal Credit, or the deadline passes.”
These migration notices are letters that go out inviting you to apply for Universal Credit.
Millions to see DWP benefits and pensions change in 2026
Millions of households relying on UK benefits are set to see their payments change in the 2026/27 financial year, with increases across pensions, disability support and Universal Credit, but some major limits will remain frozen.
The updated figures reveal how much people could receive each week or month depending on their circumstances, with some of the biggest changes affecting pensioners, carers and people on disability benefits.
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The full new State Pension will increase from £230.25 to £241.30 a week in 2026/27.
That’s an increase of more than £11 a week, or roughly £572 a year, for those receiving the full amount.
For those on the basic State Pension, the rate rises from £176.45 to £184.90 a week.