By Ashlea Hickin,Sonia Sharma
Copyright cambridge-news
Four benefits are set to cease in 2026 as the Government transitions claimants onto Universal Credit. The phasing out of old legacy benefits is underway, with people being encouraged to apply for Universal Credit instead.
The migration process, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions, has already resulted in the termination of two old benefits: Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
By March 2026, four more benefits will be discontinued. These include Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Housing Benefit, unless you’re in supported or temporary accommodation.
This comes as the Government plans to introduce a number of changes affecting Universal Credit claimants from April next year, as reported by ChronicleLive.
A Government document reveals: “The DWP plans to move all legacy benefit claimants to UC by March 2026, completing the UC rollout and closing all legacy benefits by this date.”
People are being sent Migration Notice letters, instructing them to switch to Universal Credit.
The DWP advises: “To continue getting financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date in your letter. Your benefits will end even if you decide not to claim Universal Credit.”
On Universal Credit, most individuals will be entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits, or more. Your Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to you, for example if you:
Have children Need help paying your rent Have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
“Transitional protection” top up payments
If the amount you’re entitled to on your existing or previous benefits is more than you’ll get on Universal Credit, a top up is available. You do not need to apply for transitional protection.
It will be paid to you automatically if you receive a Migration Notice letter and make a Universal Credit claim by your deadline date.
Claiming after your deadline
If you choose not to claim Universal Credit now, your existing benefits will still end. You can claim Universal Credit later, but normal Universal Credit eligibility rules will apply, for example you will not be entitled to transitional protection.
More details of the migration process are available here.
