DWP Confirms Benefits Closure in 2026: Which Benefits Are Ending and What Does It Mean?
• April 3, 2026
What Has the DWP Confirmed About Benefits Closure in 2026?
The DWP has confirmed that the managed migration from legacy benefits to Universal Credit is now entering its final stage. More than 1.9 million people have already moved to Universal Credit since the campaign restarted in 2022.
“Over 1.9 million people are now better supported as they move from outdated benefits to Universal Credit,” said Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms.
The latest DWP benefits closure announcement confirms that two benefits officially ended on 31 March 2026, while two others will continue for a few more months to give vulnerable claimants more time.
The six legacy benefits being phased out are:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
These benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit for most working-age claimants. Existing Universal Credit claimants are not affected because they are already on the replacement system.
Which DWP Benefits Have Already Closed?
Two benefits officially closed at the end of March 2026: Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
These closures mark another major step in the government’s long-running plan to replace older benefits with Universal Credit.
This change follows the earlier closure of Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit in April 2025. By the time those tax credits ended, most affected claimants had already received a migration notice and were expected to make a new Universal Credit claim.
Benefits That Have Already Ended:
Benefit Closure Date Replacement
Child Tax Credit April 2025 Universal Credit
Working Tax Credit April 2025 Universal Credit
Income Support 31 March 2026 Universal Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 31 March 2026 Universal Credit
If you were claiming one of these benefits and did not move to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice, your old benefit may already have stopped.
The DWP says around 135,000 people claiming Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance have already been moved successfully.
However, many claimants still do not realise that “closure” does not mean the government is ending all support. It means the old-style payment is ending and you are expected to make a new claim for Universal Credit instead.
Which Benefits Are Still Ending After the 2026 DWP Closure Update?
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit are the final two major benefits still being phased out.
The DWP had originally planned to close both by the end of March 2026, but the deadline has now been extended until the end of summer 2026.
Why ESA and Housing Benefit Have Been Delayed?
The government says the extension is aimed at people who may struggle to complete the move on time, particularly:
- Disabled claimants
- People with long-term health conditions
- Homeless people
- Claimants needing an appointee or extra support
- People who have not responded to earlier letters
“Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign. In their interests, we are extending the deadline for income-related Employment and Support Allowance claimants to move over,” Sir Stephen Timms said.
Importantly, not all Housing Benefit is disappearing immediately. Some working-age claimants living in temporary or supported accommodation may continue receiving Housing Benefit even after the wider closure programme ends.
Benefits Still Being Phased Out
Benefit New Deadline Who Is Affected?
Income-related ESA End of summer 2026 Working-age claimants still receiving legacy ESA
Housing Benefit End of summer 2026 Working-age claimants not in temporary or supported housing
Why Has the DWP Extended the Universal Credit Migration Deadline?
The DWP says the extension is necessary because some people have struggled to complete the move. Thousands of claimants have complex health conditions, mental health difficulties or other barriers that make it harder to respond to letters and complete online forms.
The department is therefore offering additional support before the final closure takes place.
What Support Is Available?
If you are asked to move to Universal Credit, you may be able to access several forms of support to make the process easier.
- A dedicated Move to UC helpline
- Extra time to claim if requested before your deadline
- Home visits for vulnerable or hard-to-reach claimants
- Support through your local Jobcentre
- Help from council welfare teams and local advice organisations
“There is no limit to the number of times an extension can be requested if there is a good reason,” the DWP has confirmed, although each request must be made before your existing deadline expires.
The department also says an Enhanced Support Journey is available for people who have not responded to letters. In some cases, staff may contact you directly or arrange a home visit to make sure you do not lose support.
Who Will Be Affected by the DWP Benefits Closure?
The people most affected are those who still receive one of the remaining legacy benefits. If you are already claiming Universal Credit, there is nothing extra you need to do because you are already on the replacement benefit.
You are most likely to be affected if you currently receive:
- Income-related ESA
- Housing Benefit
- A combination of ESA and another legacy benefit
- A migration notice from the DWP
You are less likely to be affected if you are:
- Already claiming Universal Credit
- Above State Pension age
- Receiving Pension Credit instead of working-age benefits
- Living in temporary or supported accommodation and still eligible for Housing Benefit
The DWP has sent more than 2.3 million migration notices so far. Around 1.98 million people have moved to Universal Credit, but several hundred thousand have not yet completed the process.
That means thousands of households could still be at risk of losing support if they do not respond before the final deadline.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Migration Notice?
If you receive a migration notice, do not ignore it. The letter includes a deadline and explains when you must claim Universal Credit.
The safest approach is to start your claim as soon as possible. You should gather all the information you may need before you begin, including proof of identity, details of your rent, bank account information, childcare costs and evidence of any health conditions.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Migration Letter
- Read the letter carefully and note the deadline.
- Start your Universal Credit claim online.
- Gather documents such as ID, tenancy agreements and bank details.
- Request more time immediately if you need it.
- Contact the Move to UC helpline if you are confused or need support.
One Claimant Insights:
Gillian, an ESA claimant who moved to Universal Credit earlier this year, said the change was easier than she expected. She explained that she was able to see future payments in advance and received extra help through her local Jobcentre.
“The migration to Universal Credit was straightforward, and I’ve been able to access help with skills and volunteering opportunities which I didn’t get on my old benefit,” she said.
Her experience will not be the same for everyone, but it shows that support is available if you engage early.
What Happens If You Do Not Move to Universal Credit in Time?
Failing to act could have serious consequences. Once your deadline passes, your existing benefit can stop completely.
You can still claim Universal Credit after the deadline, but there may be a delay before you receive your first payment. More importantly, you could lose transitional protection, which is designed to stop your income dropping immediately after the move.
For many households, this is the biggest financial risk linked to the DWP benefits closure.
Some campaigners have warned that people with long-term illnesses or disabilities are especially vulnerable. Recent figures show that a small but significant percentage of ESA claimants failed to move in time and had their benefits stopped.
Those who miss the deadline may face:
- A gap in income
- Difficulty paying rent or bills
- Loss of transitional protection
- Greater risk of debt or arrears
If you are struggling, speak to your landlord, council or utility provider as soon as possible. Some organisations may allow extra time or offer temporary support while your Universal Credit claim is processed.
Will You Lose Money When Moving from Legacy Benefits to Universal Credit?
Whether you lose money depends on your personal circumstances. Some people will receive the same amount or more, while others could receive less.
To reduce the impact, the government offers transitional protection. This is an extra amount added to your Universal Credit if your new payment would otherwise be lower than your old benefit.
However, transitional protection only applies if you move by the deadline in your migration letter.
How Transitional Protection Works?
Situation What Happens
You move to Universal Credit before the deadline Transitional protection may apply
You miss the deadline and claim later You could lose transitional protection
Your circumstances change significantly later Transitional protection may reduce or stop
The DWP has also introduced a lower health element for some new Universal Credit claims from April 2026. New claimants with health-related needs may receive £217.26 a month instead of the previous £429.80 rate.
Existing Universal Credit claimants and many people who moved through managed migration should continue to receive protection, but campaigners argue that some households may still be worse off in the long term.
Research has suggested that some households could lose more than £230 a month after moving, especially where older disability-related payments are no longer fully matched.
How Is the DWP Explaining the Benefits Closure, and Why Are Some Critics Concerned?
The DWP says Universal Credit is a simpler, modern system designed for today’s labour market. Ministers argue it is easier to manage and offers more personalised support.
Neil Couling noted:
“For something like Universal Credit you need the ability to test and learn. You need the ability to make mistakes and quickly respond.”
The government also highlights additional support through Jobcentres and employment programmes.
However, critics raise concerns:
- Some claimants struggle with letters and online applications
- Delays in first payments can cause financial stress
- Vulnerable and disabled people may face added hardship
Disability campaigners warn that some individuals are still being left behind despite deadline extensions.
Overall, while the system has improved, many claimants still need support to avoid financial loss or missed deadlines.
What Is the Full Timeline for the DWP Benefits Closure and Universal Credit Move?
The DWP benefits closure process has happened gradually over several years, but 2025 and 2026 are the most important dates.
Date What Happened
April 2025 Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit closed
31 March 2026 Income Support and income-based JSA closed
Spring to Summer 2026 ESA and Housing Benefit claimants continue receiving migration notices
End of Summer 2026 Final closure expected for income-related ESA and most Housing Benefit claims
The remaining months of 2026 are likely to be crucial for anyone still receiving ESA or Housing Benefit. If you receive a letter, act quickly and do not wait until the final deadline approaches.
Conclusion
The DWP benefits closure in 2026 does not mean all support is ending, but it does mean the old system is finally being phased out. Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance have already ended, while ESA and Housing Benefit are expected to follow by the end of summer.
If you are affected, the most important step is to respond quickly to any migration notice. Moving to Universal Credit before your deadline could protect your payments and reduce the risk of financial problems.
Although the process has been criticised, extra support is now available for those who need it. The sooner you seek help, the easier the move is likely to be.
FAQs About DWP Benefits Closure
Are all DWP benefits ending in 2026?
No. Only certain legacy benefits are ending. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, PIP and other benefits will continue.
Is Housing Benefit ending for everyone?
No. Some people in temporary or supported accommodation may continue to receive Housing Benefit.
What happens if I miss my Universal Credit migration deadline?
Your old benefit may stop and you could lose transitional protection, although you can still make a late Universal Credit claim.
Can I ask for more time to move to Universal Credit?
Yes. You can request an extension before your deadline if you have a good reason for needing more time.
Will I receive the same amount on Universal Credit?
Not always. Some people receive the same amount or more, while others may receive less depending on their circumstances.
How do I know if I am still on a legacy benefit?
If you receive Income Support, Housing Benefit, tax credits or income-related ESA, you are probably on a legacy benefit.
Are pensioners affected by the DWP benefits closure?
Most pensioners are not affected because the changes mainly apply to working-age benefits.
