The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that two long-standing benefits have officially ended this month, marking another step in the United Kingdom’s transition to Universal Credit. The move is part of a broader reform process aimed at consolidating multiple legacy benefits into a single system.
This development affects thousands of claimants who were previously receiving Income Support and income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance. Both benefits have now been closed, with recipients expected to transition fully to Universal Credit.
The closure of these benefits follows a nationwide migration effort that began in May 2022. Since then, more than 1.9 million people have been moved onto Universal Credit.
Among them are approximately:
| Benefit Type | Number of Claimants Moved |
|---|---|
| Income Support | 135,000 |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Included in total |
The goal of this transition is to simplify the welfare system by replacing several older benefits with a single monthly payment.
Transition
Universal Credit is designed to combine multiple forms of financial support into one system. It replaces six legacy benefits, including those that have recently ended.
Claimants who were receiving Income Support or income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance have now either moved to Universal Credit or are expected to do so following official notification.
The DWP has issued migration notices to affected households, outlining the steps required to make a claim and the deadline for doing so.
Notices
Migration notices are formal letters sent to claimants still receiving legacy benefits. These letters provide:
- A deadline, usually three months from the date of issue
- Instructions on how to apply for Universal Credit
- Information on available support during the transition
Failure to respond within the specified timeframe can result in the termination of existing benefit payments.
In some cases, individuals who did not act on these notices have already lost payments averaging up to £1,000.
Support
To assist claimants during the transition, the government has expanded support services through Jobcentres. This includes access to Pathways to Work advisers, who provide personalised and voluntary assistance.
Support services include:
- One-to-one guidance on making a Universal Credit claim
- Help with employment readiness for those able to work
- Tailored support for individuals with limited capability for work
More than 65,000 people have already engaged with these services, exceeding initial government targets.
Exceptions
While many legacy benefits have already ended, some remain temporarily in place. The DWP has confirmed that income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit will be phased out by the end of the summer.
This extended timeline is intended to support:
- Individuals who are harder to reach
- Claimants with significant barriers to applying
- Vulnerable groups requiring additional assistance
The government has indicated that extra flexibility will be provided to ensure these individuals are not left without support during the transition.
Protection
One of the concerns surrounding the move to Universal Credit is whether claimants will receive less money than before. To address this, the government has introduced transitional protection.
This means:
- If a claimant’s Universal Credit entitlement is lower than their previous benefits, an additional amount may be provided
- This top-up is designed to maintain existing income levels during the transition period
However, this protection may not apply in all situations and can change over time depending on individual circumstances.
Policy
The transition to Universal Credit reflects a long-term policy objective to streamline the welfare system. According to government statements, the reform aims to:
- Simplify benefit administration
- Encourage employment where possible
- Provide more consistent support across different claimant groups
Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, stated that vulnerable individuals have been a central focus of the migration campaign. He also confirmed that deadlines for certain groups, particularly those receiving Employment and Support Allowance, have been extended to ensure a smoother transition.
Impact
The closure of legacy benefits represents a significant change for many households. While most claimants are expected to receive similar levels of support under Universal Credit, the shift requires timely action and awareness of new processes.
For those who have already transitioned, payments are now managed under a single system. For others, particularly those who have not responded to migration notices, there is a risk of losing financial support if deadlines are missed.
Knowing the requirements and available support options is essential during this period of change.
The DWP’s latest announcement confirms that the UK’s welfare system continues to move toward a unified structure. While the transition is largely complete for some benefits, others will follow in the coming months, with additional safeguards in place for vulnerable claimants.
FAQs
Which benefits have ended this month?
Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
What replaces these benefits?
They are replaced by Universal Credit.
What is a migration notice?
A letter asking you to claim Universal Credit.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
Your payments may stop.
