All legacy benefits will end by 31 March 2026. If you still receive one of the below benefits, you must move to Universal Credit (UC) by the deadline in your migration notice letter or your payments will stop.
Which benefits are ending?
- Tax credits
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (in most cases)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
People on ESA are now receiving the final migration letters. If you’ve reached State Pension age, you will not be affected and can still claim Housing Benefit.
How and when should you move to Universal Credit?
- The DWP will send you a migration notice telling you when to apply.
- You have three months from the date on the letter to make your UC claim.
- If you don’t apply by your deadline, your legacy benefits will stop.
UC payments usually start around five weeks after you apply, with some legacy benefits continuing briefly to help during the changeover.
55% of people will get more through UC than their previous benefits; whilst 35% will receive less.
If your Universal Credit amount would be lower than your previous benefit:
- You may get transitional protection to top up your payment so you don’t lose money initially.
- This top-up reduces over time and ends if your circumstances change.
You will not get transitional protection if you:
- Claim UC before receiving your migration notice
- Claim after your deadline
There is a one‑month grace period where a late claim can be backdated and transitional protection kept.
If you can’t meet your deadline, contact the Universal Credit migration helpline as soon as possible.
If you have questions or concerns, you can contact our Money Matters team at: moneymatters@greatplaces.org.uk
