The DWP is set to complete the final stage of moving claimants from two legacy benefits onto Universal Credit by March 31, 2026.
Two long-standing benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will cease on March 31 as the UK Government finalises the last phase of transitioning claimants from older ‘legacy’ benefits to Universal Credit.
Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) are being phased out as part of the ongoing ‘Managed Migration’ programme, which aims to transition individuals from older benefits to the newer Universal Credit system.
The DWP has already sent out over 1.8 million Migration Notices to claimants who need to switch benefits as the programme nears its conclusion. It is anticipated that most people affected by these changes will have completed their move to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026.
Under the managed migration process, claimants who receive a Migration Notice are required to apply for Universal Credit within a specified deadline. Those who fail to submit a claim in time could see their existing benefits terminated.
The transition of people receiving Income Support and income-based JSA is nearly complete, according to the DWP. These two benefits will officially terminate at the end of March as the government continues its broader reform of the welfare system, reports the Daily Record.
However, ministers have agreed to a brief extension for some cases involving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). The Department states that many ESA claims are more complex and require additional support to ensure people transition safely to Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is progressively replacing six legacy benefits, including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
The UK Government says that the new system aims to simplify the benefits system by consolidating several payments into a single monthly payment.
The managed migration process has been ongoing for several years and involves directly contacting claimants when it is their turn to transition onto Universal Credit. The DWP sends letters outlining the necessary actions people need to take and offers support for those who require assistance with the application process.
Officials emphasise that ensuring claimants safely transition to the new system remains a priority as the programme approaches completion.
Claimants uncertain about whether they will need to switch to Universal Credit can verify their circumstances through official guidance or on GOV.UK or wait to receive a Migration Notice from the DWP.
The UK Government has stated its commitment to finalising the migration programme in the upcoming months as the last legacy benefits are phased out.
Claimants who receive a Migration Notice from the DWP must apply for Universal Credit by the deadline specified in the letter. If they fail to make a claim in time, their existing benefit payments could cease.
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