The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it will cease payments for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and applicable Housing Benefit from June 30, as part of the ongoing transition to Universal Credit. This move affects individuals currently receiving these legacy benefits, who will be required to switch to Universal Credit to continue receiving financial support.
What Is Changing?
Universal Credit is designed to be a single, comprehensive benefit for claimants. Over recent years, the DWP has been gradually migrating various benefits to Universal Credit. With the end of ESA and applicable Housing Benefit, the DWP aims to streamline the system. ESA is intended for individuals under state pension age who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work.
Payment Amounts
For those under 25, ESA provides up to £75.65 per week, while those aged 25 and over can receive up to £95.55 per week. On average, this amounts to approximately £414.05 per month. Claimants will need to respond to a migration notice from the DWP within three months to transition to Universal Credit. Failure to respond will result in the complete cessation of benefit payments.
Official Confirmation
Minister of State for the DWP, Sir Stephen Timms, issued a written statement confirming the end of these benefits. He stated: “On 31st March 2026, we completed the transition of customers receiving Income Support and income-based Jobseekers Allowance to Universal Credit… I am setting out my intention to close income related Employment and Support Allowance and applicable Housing Benefit on 30th June 2026.” He emphasized the importance of providing sufficient notice and support to vulnerable customers during this transition.
What Claimants Need to Do
Citizens Advice explains that those receiving legacy benefits must claim Universal Credit by the date specified in their migration notice to continue receiving financial support. The deadline on the letter is referred to as the “deadline day.” Most claimants should have already received a migration notice, as legacy benefits are scheduled to end for most people in July 2026.
The DWP will proactively engage with customers and their representatives to assist them in moving to Universal Credit. According to official statistics published in February 2026, as of December 31, 2025, 2.4 million individuals across 1.8 million households have been notified of the need to transition, with over 1.5 million households having already made a claim to Universal Credit.
