The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the abolition of two additional benefits, with a cut-off date set for June 2026. Under the managed migration system, legacy benefits are being phased out as claimants are moved onto Universal Credit.
Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance Already Transitioned
In March 2026, the DWP completed the transition of customers receiving Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance to Universal Credit. Now, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and applicable Housing Benefit will close on 30 June 2026.
Government's Stance on Modernisation
Labour MP Sir Stephen Timms stated: "Transforming the way the DWP delivers its services is key to improving the customer experience while delivering value for money for taxpayers. The purpose of the Move to Universal Credit programme was to modernise and simplify the benefits system by replacing older legacy benefits with a single, monthly payment."
Universal Credit is now claimed by more than 8 million people, making it a hugely significant part of society. Timms added: "DWP recognises that for many people, engaging with Universal Credit is a very different experience to ESA. The transition process highlights changes to appointees for customers as well."
Exemptions for Vulnerable Customers
Timms confirmed that the DWP intends to exempt customers who require additional time to find an appointee from the initial abolition date. The department will provide extra time for a personal or corporate appointee to be arranged, finalising a later closure date when it is safe to do so. The DWP will proactively engage with customers and their representatives to support the move to Universal Credit.
Statistics and Review
According to DWP's Move to UC statistics published in February 2026, as of 31 December 2025, 2.4 million individuals across 1.8 million households had been notified of the need to transition to Universal Credit from all legacy benefits, with over 1.5 million households having made a claim to UC.
Timms emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with external stakeholders to ensure safe transitions. He also noted that a review of Universal Credit is underway, involving workshops, roundtables, focus groups, and a survey of nearly 10,000 customers to ensure the system remains fit for the next decade and beyond.
