The DWP has confirmed payments have been stopped as the benefits come to an end
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed it has stopped two benefits from April 1, 2026. People who were receiving payments from these benefits should have received a letter providing them with instructions on how to keep getting support once the payments stopped.
The benefits closed as part of the DWP’s plan to migrate six ‘outdated’ benefits onto the Universal Credit system. A number of other legacy benefits have already closed, with Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance the latest to join the fray.
While the migration is meant to move claimants from these benefits to the Universal Credit system, it does not happen automatically and claimants need to act in order to prevent interruptions to their benefit payments.
People affected by the move should receive a letter known as a migration notices. These letters set out the next steps they need to follow in order to transition to Universal Credit and a deadline, according to Birmingham Live.
They need to apply for Universal Credit by this deadline in order to receive Transitional Protection, which ensures they won’t be left worse off on the new system.
For example, if someone received £600 a month from Tax Credits but only qualifies for £400 from Universal Credit under the normal eligibility rules, the Transitional Protection will add an extra £200. However, if you miss the deadline in your migration notice, you will not be able to get any Transitional Protection.
People who need help transitioning between benefits can get extra support through a dedicated DWP telephone number, the Move to UC Helpline, and tailored help is also available through the Enhanced Support Journey for customers who have not engaged with the DWP, including through home visits.
In total, nearly two million people have been moving over from the legacy benefits system to the Universal Credit system.
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “Our Move to Universal Credit campaign has been successful in moving over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit system.
“Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign. In their interests, we are extending the deadline for income-related Employment Support Allowance claimants to move over.
“This Government is committed to updating the welfare system so that it promotes opportunity, rather than stifling it – as part of our Plan for Change.
“The campaign means the number of people on Universal Credit has increased, particularly the number of people who receive the benefit with no requirement to look for work, as, since June last year, the focus has been on moving vulnerable people from Employment and Support Allowance.”
