The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the exact date when thousands of people across Great Britain will see their legacy benefits come to an end. Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms announced that income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and certain Housing Benefit claims for working-age claimants will cease on June 30, 2026, as part of the final stage of the migration to Universal Credit.
Final Stage of Universal Credit Rollout
In a written statement on Monday, Sir Stephen emphasised that completing the Universal Credit rollout is "critical" to modernising the welfare system and enhancing the claimant experience while delivering value for taxpayers. Universal Credit is already received by more than eight million people, which Sir Stephen described as playing a "hugely significant role in the fabric of our society."
The migration of those on Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance was completed at the end of March, enabling those older systems to be shut down. The DWP will now proceed with transferring the remaining claimants, with those still receiving income-related ESA or particular Housing Benefit payments expected to receive formal notification instructing them to switch.
Risk of Losing Payments
Sir Stephen cautioned that people must engage with the process, as those who fail to move to Universal Credit after being contacted risk losing their current payments. According to the DWP, the latest figures reveal that 2.4 million people have been notified to switch to Universal Credit, with over 1.5 million households having already successfully made a claim.
Additional Assistance for Vulnerable Claimants
Acknowledging that the process can prove more complicated for some people, Sir Stephen confirmed that the transition has brought to light difficulties faced by those requiring extra help managing their benefits. Claimants who need more time to arrange an appointee — someone to act on their behalf — will not have their benefits cut off at the initial deadline. Instead, the DWP will grant additional time for a personal or corporate appointee to be established before closing their existing claim, with a later deadline set where necessary.
Sir Stephen emphasised that ensuring vulnerable claimants receive adequate time and support has remained a key priority throughout the entire transition process. The June deadline represents one of the final milestones in replacing legacy benefits with Universal Credit.
Modernising the Welfare System
Sir Stephen noted the programme was designed to "modernise and simplify" the system by consolidating multiple payments into a single monthly benefit. The DWP confirmed it will continue collaborating with claimants and support organisations to ensure all remaining transfers are completed safely. With the concluding stages now under way, anyone still receiving older benefits is strongly urged to look out for official correspondence and act promptly to avoid any disruption to their payments.
