Why Has the DWP Stopped Two Benefits in 2026?
The Government has officially closed Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance because it believes Universal Credit is a simpler and more modern system. Both benefits were created decades ago and no longer reflect the way many people work or claim support today.
Universal Credit now replaces six older benefits in one monthly payment. The DWP says this makes the system easier to manage and gives claimants better access to work support, budgeting tools and personalised help through local Jobcentres.
The closure of these two benefits is part of the wider “Move to Universal Credit” campaign, which restarted in May 2022. Since then, the DWP has gradually written to claimants and asked them to move over before their old payments stop.
The ‘Rebalancing’ of Health Payments (April 2026):
From 6 April 2026, the DWP has introduced a two-tier system for health-related payments.
- New Claimants: Most people claiming for the first time after 6 April will receive a lower health element of £217.26 per month.
- Protected Claimants: If you established your status before this date, or if you are moving from the ESA Support Group, you are generally protected at the higher rate of £429.80.
- Exceptions: Severe, lifelong conditions or terminal illnesses may still qualify for the higher rate regardless of the claim date.
| Benefit Closed | Date Closed | Replacement Benefit |
| Income Support | 31 March 2026 | Universal Credit |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance | 31 March 2026 | Universal Credit |
| Income-related ESA | End of Summer 2026 | Universal Credit |
| Housing Benefit (working age) | End of Summer 2026 | Universal Credit |
Which Two Benefits Have Officially Closed?
The two benefits that have officially ended are:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Support was mainly paid to people on a low income who were not required to look for work, including some carers and parents. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance supported people who were unemployed and actively seeking work.
Both benefits stopped on 31 March 2026. Claimants who were still receiving them should already have received a migration notice from the DWP explaining how and when to apply for Universal Credit.
Those who completed the move before the deadline should now be receiving Universal Credit instead. In most cases, the transition happened without a break in payments.
How Has the Move to Universal Credit Campaign Changed the Welfare System?
The Move to Universal Credit campaign has changed the benefits system more than any reform in recent years. Over 1.9 million people have already moved from older benefits to Universal Credit, including around 135,000 people who had been claiming Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The Government argues that the new system better reflects modern working life. Universal Credit allows people to move in and out of work more easily because payments can adjust automatically if earnings change.
The campaign has also increased the amount of support available to claimants. Under Universal Credit, many people can access:
- One-to-one meetings at Jobcentres
- Training and skills courses
- Help with CVs and applications
- Advice on volunteering and returning to work
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, explained the purpose of the change clearly: “The move to Universal Credit is designed to give people more support and more flexibility than the old system ever could, especially for those who need extra help getting closer to work.”
The Restart of Managed Migration in May 2022
Managed migration restarted in May 2022 after being paused for several years. From that point, the DWP began sending letters to people receiving legacy benefits, giving them a deadline to apply for Universal Credit.
These letters are important because they explain exactly when a person’s old benefit will stop. Many claimants only keep receiving support if they apply before the date shown in the letter.
The DWP has used a gradual approach to avoid overwhelming the system. Different groups of claimants have been moved at different times, beginning with tax credit claimants and later including people receiving ESA, Housing Benefit and other benefits.
How More Than 1.9 Million People Were Moved to Universal Credit?
The DWP says the campaign has been successful because more than 1.9 million people have now completed the move. Many people were transferred automatically after applying online and confirming their circumstances.
Others needed extra support, especially vulnerable claimants or people with disabilities. The DWP created a dedicated helpline and offered face-to-face support for those who struggled with the process.
As a result, the number of people receiving Universal Credit has grown sharply. The increase has been especially noticeable among people with health conditions or limited capability for work.
Why Is Universal Credit Replacing Legacy Benefits?
Universal Credit is replacing older benefits because the Government believes the previous system was too complicated. Many claimants had to manage several different payments at once, including Housing Benefit, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Under Universal Credit, these are combined into one payment. This is intended to reduce confusion and make it easier for people to understand what they are entitled to receive.
| Old System | Universal Credit System |
| Several separate benefits | One monthly payment |
| Different application forms | Single online application |
| Multiple payment dates | One regular payment date |
| Separate support offices | One Jobcentre and online account |
The DWP also says Universal Credit is more closely linked to work. Payments can continue even if someone takes a part-time job or increases their hours, which was harder under the older benefits system.
What Support Will Former Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance Claimants Receive?
People who have moved from Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance to Universal Credit can receive extra help from Jobcentres. This support is designed to make sure they do not lose money or miss out on opportunities.
Claimants may receive:
- Help setting up their Universal Credit online account
- Advice about budgeting for monthly payments
- Support with searching for work
- Information about training and skills courses
Important Warning on Transitional Protection: While this protection ensures you aren’t poorer on Day 1 of Universal Credit, this “top-up” amount is eroded over time.
Every time standard Universal Credit rates rise (such as during the annual April uprating), your transitional top-up decreases by that same amount. This means your total income stays frozen until the top-up reaches zero.
How Are Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit Claimants Being Protected?
Unlike Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit have not yet completely closed. The DWP has extended the deadline until the end of summer 2026 for some vulnerable claimants.
This extra time is mainly for people who may struggle to move to Universal Credit without support. That includes people with severe health conditions, learning difficulties, mental health issues or unstable housing.
Neil Couling, DWP Senior Responsible Owner for Universal Credit, said: “We know some people need more time and more practical support. Extending the deadline means vulnerable claimants are not left behind during the move.”
The DWP has said that nobody in these groups should lose support simply because they found the process difficult.
| Group of Claimants | Current Position | New Deadline |
| Income Support claimants | Benefit closed | 31 March 2026 |
| Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants | Benefit closed | 31 March 2026 |
| Income-related ESA claimants | Still open for some | End of Summer 2026 |
| Housing Benefit claimants | Still open for some | End of Summer 2026 |
Extended Deadline for Vulnerable Claimants
The extended deadline is aimed at a limited number of people who have not yet managed to apply for Universal Credit. In many cases, these are people who have not responded to letters or who have significant barriers to communication.
The DWP has confirmed that it will continue contacting these claimants and offering support. This could include phone calls, extra letters and appointments through local Jobcentres.
People who still receive ESA or Housing Benefit should not assume their payments are safe forever. They must still complete the move to Universal Credit before the final deadline arrives.
Why Some Customers Have More Time to Move?
Some people have more time because the DWP recognises that not everyone can manage the application process in the same way. Homeless people, those with appointees and people with severe illnesses often need additional help.
The Government has therefore introduced what it calls an Enhanced Support Journey. This gives vulnerable people more opportunities to complete the process and avoid losing their payments.
The extra time is not automatic for everyone. Claimants still need to engage with the DWP and respond when contacted.
What Happens if Someone Has Not Yet Moved to Universal Credit?
Anyone who has not yet moved to Universal Credit should act as quickly as possible. If the DWP has sent a migration notice, the old benefit will usually stop after the deadline shown in the letter.
In some cases, people who miss the deadline can still make a late claim. However, there is no guarantee that payments will continue, especially if too much time has passed.
A welfare adviser in Lancashire described the situation this way: “Many people think the DWP will automatically move them over, but that is not always true. If they do not complete the Universal Credit claim themselves, the money can stop.”
The safest option is to:
- Read the DWP letter carefully
- Apply for Universal Credit immediately
- Contact the Move to UC helpline if support is needed
- Keep copies of any letters or reference numbers
How Can Claimants Keep Their DWP Payments Safe During the Transition?
The best way to keep payments safe is to respond quickly. Universal Credit claims can usually be made online, and most people are given at least three months to complete the move after receiving a migration notice.
Claimants should make sure that all information is correct, including:
- Address and contact details
- Housing costs
- Income and savings
- Health conditions or disabilities
If someone applies before the deadline, they may receive transitional protection. This prevents an immediate drop in their benefit amount.
What Extra Help Is Available for Vulnerable or Hard-to-Reach Customers?
The DWP says it is offering additional support to the people most likely to struggle with the move. This includes people who are homeless, have mental health conditions or need somebody else to manage their claim.
Support can include telephone advice, help at Jobcentres and in some cases home visits.
Move to UC Helpline and Dedicated Telephone Support
The Move to UC helpline has been created specifically for claimants who need help moving from old benefits to Universal Credit. Staff can explain what the migration letter means, how to apply and what evidence is needed.
People who are confused about deadlines or worried about losing money can call the helpline before their existing benefit stops. This can often prevent delays or mistakes.
The telephone service is especially useful for older claimants who are not confident using the internet or online forms.
Enhanced Support Journey and Home Visits
For some claimants, telephone support is not enough. The DWP therefore offers an Enhanced Support Journey for people with the greatest needs.
This can involve home visits from trained staff, support from social workers or local organisations, and help completing the claim in person.
The aim is to make sure no vulnerable claimant loses their benefit because they could not manage the process alone.
How Does Universal Credit Offer More Support Than the Old Benefits?
The DWP says Universal Credit offers more support because it combines financial help with employment support. Claimants can often see their future payments in advance through their online account, making it easier to budget.
Many people also receive more personalised support through their local Jobcentre. This can include training, confidence building and help finding suitable work.
One claimant, Gillian, who moved from ESA to Universal Credit, said the change helped her access volunteering opportunities and a training course that she had never been offered before.
What Jobcentre Support Is Available Under Universal Credit?
Jobcentres now provide more support than they did under the older benefits system. This is especially true for people with disabilities or health conditions.
Pathways to Work Advisers
New Pathways to Work advisers have been introduced to help people who have limited capability for work. These advisers provide one-to-one support and discuss realistic ways to move closer to employment.
More than 65,000 people have already used this service. The Government says this is higher than expected and shows that claimants are willing to seek help when it is offered.
The advice is voluntary for many claimants, meaning people are not forced into unsuitable work.
Skills, Training and Volunteering Opportunities
Universal Credit also gives claimants access to more training and volunteering options. This can help people build confidence and improve their chances of finding work later.
For example, some claimants are referred to short courses in computing, customer service or health and safety. Others may be supported to volunteer locally before returning to paid work.
These opportunities were often much harder to access under the old benefits system.
How Will New Universal Credit Health Element Changes Affect Claimants from April 2026?
From April 2026, the Government is changing the health element of Universal Credit for new claimants. The new lower rate will be £217.26 per month instead of the current higher rate of £429.80.
The Government says this change will reduce welfare dependency and save nearly £1 billion. However, critics argue that some disabled claimants may end up with less financial support in future.
| Pros | Cons |
| Encourages more people to move towards work | New claimants may receive less money |
| Reduces long-term Government spending | Could make budgeting harder for disabled people |
| Creates a simpler payment structure | May increase concern among vulnerable claimants |
| Supports the wider reform of Universal Credit | Critics say support is being reduced too quickly |
Existing claimants should not see an immediate change if they are already receiving the higher rate. The lower amount mainly affects new claims from April onwards.
Conclusion
The DWP has stopped two benefits, but most people can still keep their payments safe by moving to Universal Credit before the deadline. Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance have now closed, while ESA and Housing Benefit will follow later in 2026 for some claimants.
The key message is not to ignore any DWP letter. Universal Credit is now the main benefit system, and support is available through helplines, Jobcentres and home visits. Anyone who acts quickly should be able to continue receiving financial support without a serious interruption.
Checklist: What to do if you missed the March 31st Deadline?
If you were on Income Support or JSA and your payments have stopped, follow these steps immediately:
- Check for a ‘Final Deadline’: You usually have one month after the deadline on your letter to claim and still keep your Transitional Protection.
- Apply via the ‘Move to UC’ Helpline: If you are vulnerable, do not apply online alone. Call the DWP’s dedicated migration line to request an Enhanced Support Journey.
- Verify Your Identity: Many claims fail because of ID checks. Have your passport or driving licence ready to avoid a “refused” claim that could end your legacy benefits permanently.
FAQs
Can someone still receive Income Support after March 2026?
No. Income Support officially closed on 31 March 2026. Anyone who was still receiving it should now have moved to Universal Credit.
Will Housing Benefit stop immediately for everyone?
No. Some Housing Benefit claimants, especially vulnerable people, have until the end of summer 2026 to move to Universal Credit.
How long does a person have to move to Universal Credit after receiving a letter?
Most claimants have around three months from the date of the migration notice to make their Universal Credit claim.
Does moving to Universal Credit reduce the amount someone receives?
Not always. Some people receive the same amount or even more. Others may receive transitional protection if their new payment would otherwise be lower.
What is transitional protection and who can get it?
Transitional protection is extra money paid to some claimants who would lose out financially after moving to Universal Credit. It is usually available if the move happens before the deadline.
Can vulnerable claimants get help with the Universal Credit application?
Yes. The DWP offers a helpline, Jobcentre appointments, home visits and an Enhanced Support Journey for vulnerable claimants.
What happens if a claimant misses the migration deadline?
Their old benefit could stop. In some cases they may still be able to apply late, but there is a risk of delayed or lost payments.
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