DWP confirms two benefits will end before April 2026

Two DWP benefits will end on March 31

Two established benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) will cease on March 31 as the UK Government finalises the transition of claimants from older ‘legacy’ benefits to Universal Credit.

Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) are being withdrawn as part of the ongoing ‘Managed Migration’ initiative, which aims to transfer people from previous benefits to the more recent Universal Credit framework.

The DWP reports it has already sent out more than 1.8 million Migration Notices to claimants who must switch benefits as the programme nears completion. The majority of those affected are anticipated to have finished their transition to Universal Credit by the end of March 2026.

Through the managed migration procedure, claimants receiving a Migration Notice are required to submit a Universal Credit application within a given timeframe. Those who miss the deadline risk having their current benefits terminated.

The transfer of people claiming Income Support and income-based JSA is now virtually finished, the DWP confirms. Both benefits will formally close at the end of March as the government progresses with its broader reform of the welfare system, reports the Daily Record.

Nevertheless, ministers have approved a brief extension for certain Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) cases. The Department explains that numerous ESA claims involve greater complexity and need extra assistance to guarantee people transition securely to Universal Credit.

Universal Credit is progressively taking the place of six legacy benefits, namely 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 asserts that the new system aims to streamline the benefits system by consolidating several payments into one monthly payment.

The managed migration process has been underway for a number of years and involves directly contacting claimants when it’s their turn to transition to Universal Credit. The DWP dispatches letters detailing the necessary steps people need to take and offers assistance to those who require help with the application process.

Officials emphasise that ensuring claimants safely transition to the new system remains a priority as the programme approaches its conclusion.

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 affirmed its commitment to finalising the migration programme in the upcoming months as the last of the 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. Failure to make a claim within the stipulated timeframe could result in their existing benefit payments being halted.