After 30 June: Two DWP benefits close for most working households

Nearly two million people have now moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit, and the final phase has closed income-related Employment and Support Allowance and applicable Housing Benefit for most working households. The change followed the 30 June 2026 closure date set by the Department for Work and Pensions. Housing Benefit has not ended for everyone: around 1.6 million people were still receiving it in February, mainly those in temporary accommodation or of state pension age.

What We Know So Far

The latest change concerns income-related ESA and Housing Benefit in cases now covered by Universal Credit. It completes the wider programme that moved people from six legacy benefits into one monthly payment. The other four are Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The timetable was staged. A written statement cited by the Daily Express report on the closure says Income Support and income-based JSA systems closed on 31 March 2026, while income-related ESA and applicable Housing Benefit were set to close on 30 June 2026. The DWP now says that final phase is complete for most working households.

The move was not automatic. Claimants receiving a Migration Notice had to claim Universal Credit by the date in the letter. Earlier figures showed 2,353,319 people from 1,822,374 households received notices between July 2022 and the end of March 2026; 1,992,161 had submitted claims, leaving about 361,000 who had not acted at that point. Ministers said some vulnerable customers would be exempted from the 30 June closure date.

That gap explains the criticism of the deadline system. Research cited in the reports warned that some people were missing deadlines and losing income. The government says support included home visits, safeguarding referrals, dedicated Jobcentre staff, extra time for people requiring an appointee, the Move to Universal Credit Helpline and Citizens Advice support.

What People Are Saying

Sir Stephen Timms, the minister for social security and disability, described the completion as a major milestone and put the scale at nearly two million people.

“The successful completion of the move to Universal Credit marks a major milestone, with nearly two million people having now moved on to Universal Credit from legacy benefits, including income-related employment and support allowance and housing benefit, which have now closed for most working households.”

Welfare groups have focused on the risk of people losing income during migration, especially where deadlines are missed.

How This Affects You

If you receive an affected legacy benefit, the key document is your Migration Notice. The deadline printed in it is the date by which you need to claim Universal Credit to keep financial support moving. Missing it can mean existing legacy payments stop, while eligible people who cannot use the online service may be able to claim through the Universal Credit helpline.

Most applications are made online. The reported process includes creating an account, completing a personal to-do list, verifying identity, booking a Jobcentre appointment and agreeing to a Claimant Commitment. Applicants may need bank details, contact information, a National Insurance number if available, proof of identity, and details about rent, earnings, savings, childcare costs and health conditions.

Universal Credit amounts depend on personal circumstances and can change between monthly assessment periods. Some people moved through managed migration may qualify for Transitional Protection if their Universal Credit entitlement would otherwise be lower than their previous benefits. The application guidance in the supplied coverage says backdating of up to one month can be available in certain circumstances, with supporting evidence potentially required.

Managed migration

The process of moving claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit after a formal notice.

Migration Notice

The letter telling a claimant to apply for Universal Credit by a stated deadline.

Transitional Protection

Protection that may prevent an immediate income drop for some people moved through managed migration.

Coming Up

A separate review led by Sir Stephen Timms into Personal Independence Payment is expected to report in the autumn. For vulnerable ESA customers exempted from the 30 June closure date, ministers said a final closure date would be set later; the supplied reports give no date.

At a Glance

• Income-related ESA and applicable Housing Benefit have closed for most working households after the 30 June 2026 deadline.
• Nearly two million people have moved from legacy benefits to Universal Credit.
• Housing Benefit continues for some groups, including many people in temporary accommodation or of state pension age.
• Claimants who receive a Migration Notice must use the deadline printed on that letter.
• Some vulnerable customers were exempted from the 30 June closure date and will receive a later timetable.