Two major benefits to be stopped early next year: don’t ignore your universal credit ‘migration’ letter

If you receive income support or jobseeker’s allowance, it’s important to know that both benefits will be ending from 1 April 2026 and any existing claims for the benefit will be stopped. 

This is part of the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) plan to move everyone from older ‘legacy benefits’ onto universal credit.

You’ll receive a migration notice letter from the DWP telling you when to start your universal credit claim. This letter will include a deadline, usually three months from when you get it.

You must respond to this letter to make sure your payments continue.

If you miss the deadline, your current benefits will stop two weeks after that date.

If you can’t make a claim in time, you can ask the DWP to extend your deadline, but you need to contact them as soon as possible.

Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability, told the Independent:

“If you get a letter asking you to move to universal credit, please don't ignore it. It's really important you respond so you keep getting the support you're entitled to.”

Timms is also reviewing the personal independence payment (PIP) system after the government’s U-turn on tightening eligibility. No changes will happen to PIP until his review is complete, expected in autumn 2026.

What is ‘managed migration’?

Managed migration is the DWP’s process of phasing out older benefits and replacing them with universal credit, which brings several types of financial support into one single payment.

The benefits being replaced include:

• tax credits
• housing benefit
• income support
• jobseeker's allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)

The migration process started in July 2022. 

Support is available

If you’re unsure what to do or need support making the switch, help is available:

• don’t hesitate to contact the DWP
• contact your local Jobcentre

If you think you might be missing out on benefits, we can check you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. So get in touch or try our benefits calculator. 

How to claim universal credit

There are a few ways you can apply:

• online
• by phone at 0800 169 0328
• in person at your local jobcentre

Once you’ve applied, it usually takes about five weeks to receive your first payment. After that, you’ll keep receiving it unless your circumstances change.