The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that two major legacy benefits have now ended for most claimants as the transition to Universal Credit reaches its final stage.
The move marks the completion of the government’s migration programme, which has gradually transferred millions of people from older benefits to the Universal Credit system. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit are the latest benefits to close as part of this process.
While most working-age claimants affected by the change have now moved to Universal Credit, some Housing Benefit recipients will continue receiving payments because they fall outside the main migration group.
Transition
The move to Universal Credit began as a long-term plan to replace six older benefits with a single monthly payment system.
The benefits included in the migration process were:
| Legacy Benefit | Status |
|---|---|
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Closed for most working-age claimants |
| Housing Benefit | Closed for most working-age claimants |
| Child Tax Credit | Migrated |
| Working Tax Credit | Migrated |
| Income Support | Migrated |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Migrated |
The DWP confirmed that around two million people have now moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.
Completion
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, described the completion of the migration process as a significant milestone.
He said that nearly two million people had moved to Universal Credit from older benefits, including income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, which have now closed for most working households.
The DWP said it provided additional support during the transition, including home visits, safeguarding referrals, Jobcentre assistance and extra time for claimants who needed help managing the process.
Housing
Although Housing Benefit has ended for many claimants, it has not completely disappeared.
Around 1.6 million people were still receiving Housing Benefit as of February, mainly including people living in temporary accommodation and those who have reached State Pension age.
These groups are generally not required to move to Universal Credit immediately and can continue receiving Housing Benefit under existing rules.
Concerns
The transition to Universal Credit has faced criticism from some charities and campaign groups.
Concerns have focused on the migration notice system, which gives claimants a limited period to move to Universal Credit. Some organisations argue that the process may be difficult for people who need additional support.
Research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) warned that some claimants could miss deadlines and lose income during the transition. The organisation said that a sudden drop in payments could create financial difficulties for vulnerable households.
Support
The DWP has stated that support measures were introduced to help people complete the migration process successfully.
These included:
- Guidance from Jobcentre staff.
- Additional support for vulnerable claimants.
- Safeguarding referrals where needed.
- Extra time for people using an appointee to manage their affairs.
- Direct support for people who needed help understanding the change.
The department has said the goal of the move is to create a simpler benefits system and help remove barriers for people who want to enter or remain in work.
Future
The completion of the Universal Credit migration comes as the government continues wider reforms affecting disability and health-related benefits.
Sir Stephen Timms is currently leading a review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), one of the UK’s largest disability-related benefits, with millions of claimants.
The review is expected to report later in the year and follows previous discussions about possible changes to disability benefit rules.
The end of the Universal Credit migration programme represents a major change in the UK benefits system, with millions of people now receiving support through a single payment system instead of older legacy benefits. However, some Housing Benefit claimants will remain outside Universal Credit, and concerns remain about ensuring vulnerable people receive enough support during future changes. The DWP continues to review the wider benefits system while monitoring the impact of these reforms.
FAQs
Which benefits have ended under Universal Credit migration?
Income-related ESA and Housing Benefit ended for most claimants.
How many people moved to Universal Credit?
Around two million people have moved from legacy benefits.
Has all Housing Benefit stopped?
No. Some pensioners and temporary housing claimants still receive it.
Why were legacy benefits replaced?
The government aimed to create a simpler benefits system.
