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7 Major UK Benefits Ending Or Changing In 2026: The DWP’s Urgent Migration Deadline And Who Is Affected

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant overhaul of the UK’s welfare system, with a major deadline set for April 2026 that will see several key benefits officially phased out. This is not a complete cessation of all financial support, but rather the final stage of the “managed migration” process, which requires millions of claimants to switch from older, legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit (UC) system or risk losing their payments entirely. As of today, December 22, 2025, the DWP is urging claimants of specific benefits to prepare for this mandatory transition, alongside other critical reforms to disability and retirement payments.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the official DWP announcements for the upcoming year, detailing the six legacy benefits being scrapped, the new rules for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and the essential deadlines you must know to ensure your financial support remains secure. The changes are complex, but understanding the timeline and the benefits affected is crucial for all UK households.

The Six Legacy Benefits Facing the Final DWP Deadline in 2026

The core of the DWP’s major change is the completion of the transition from what are known as “legacy benefits” to Universal Credit (UC). This managed move has been ongoing for several years, but the final deadline for the vast majority of claimants to switch is now rapidly approaching. By April 2026, the DWP expects to have largely discontinued the following six benefits, requiring all claimants to apply for Universal Credit via a ‘Migration Notice’ or lose their support.

  • 1. Income Support (IS): This benefit, designed to top up the income of those not required to look for work, will be completely phased out.
  • 2. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): The income-based version of JSA is being replaced by the job-seeking elements within Universal Credit.
  • 3. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): This is a major benefit for those with a disability or health condition. While the move is mandatory, the DWP has a slightly different timeline for those on ESA-only claims, but the overall income-related element is being replaced.
  • 4. Housing Benefit (HB): Although technically a legacy benefit, Housing Benefit is being replaced by the housing element of Universal Credit.
  • 5. Working Tax Credit (WTC): Tax Credits, which are administered by HMRC, are being fully absorbed into the Universal Credit system.
  • 6. Child Tax Credit (CTC): Similar to WTC, Child Tax Credit will be replaced by the child element of Universal Credit.

The Urgent 'Managed Move' and Migration Notice

The DWP will issue a Migration Notice to claimants of these legacy benefits. This notice is not optional; it marks the start of a three-month period within which the claimant must make a new claim for Universal Credit. Failure to act on the Migration Notice within this timeframe will result in the current benefit payments stopping.

A crucial point for claimants is that if they move to Universal Credit before the deadline, they may be eligible for Transitional Protection. This protection ensures that if their Universal Credit entitlement is lower than their previous legacy benefits, their payment will be topped up to the same amount, preventing an immediate financial loss. However, this protection is only available to those who move under the managed migration process, not those who voluntarily switch.

Major Reforms to Universal Credit and Disability Benefits (PIP) in 2026

Beyond the phasing out of legacy benefits, the DWP has confirmed significant structural changes and uprating adjustments for the main social security payments, with the new rates and rules taking effect from April 2026.

Universal Credit (UC) Uprating and Health Element Changes

The DWP has confirmed that most social security benefits, including the disability and health-related benefits, will be uprated in April 2026. This increase is generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation from the previous September, which is set at 3.8% for the 2026/2027 financial year.

However, the Universal Credit standard allowance is set to receive a slightly different uplift. While the overall uprating applies, there are specific, confirmed alterations to the UC health element. The DWP has confirmed it will go ahead with changes to how the health element is calculated and awarded, a move that is expected to affect millions of households. Some reports suggest that while some households may gain a substantial amount (up to £725 a year), others could face cuts depending on their personal circumstances under the new rules.

The Future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the WCA

Perhaps the most significant and controversial reform confirmed by the DWP for 2026 is the planned overhaul of the disability benefits system, specifically targeting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

The government has announced a review into PIP, with plans to introduce new rules that could lead to fewer people receiving the payment. The changes are intended to focus support on those with the greatest needs, moving away from the current system of fixed cash payments. The DWP is considering alternatives to the current assessment model, which could include offering vouchers or a catalogue of services instead of cash for some claimants.

Furthermore, the DWP is moving to scrap the existing Work Capability Assessment (WCA) entirely. This assessment, which determines an individual’s eligibility for the Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element and the equivalent Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) support group, is set to be replaced by a new system. This new approach aims to integrate health and disability support more closely into the Universal Credit framework, with changes starting in April 2026. The DWP is also increasing the proportion of face-to-face assessments for both PIP and WCA from April 2026.

What Other DWP Payments Are Changing?

While the focus is on the legacy benefit phase-out and the PIP/UC reforms, other DWP payments are also subject to confirmed changes for the upcoming year.

State Pension Age and Uprating

The State Pension is also set for a major change in 2026. The State Pension age is officially set to begin its scheduled rise. Simultaneously, State Pension payments will receive an increase in April 2026, with the basic and new State Pension being uprated by 4.8% under the triple lock mechanism, which guarantees the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%.

Cost of Living Payments Scrapped

A key piece of information for millions of low-income households is the confirmed end of the Cost of Living Payment scheme. The DWP has not announced any continuation of the scheme that ran between 2022 and 2024. The final payment for this scheme was made earlier in the year, meaning no further general Cost of Living Payments will be issued in the 2026 financial year.

In summary, the DWP’s announcements for 2026 confirm a period of intense change. The headline is the final push to end all six legacy benefits by April 2026, making the mandatory move to Universal Credit a reality for millions. Simultaneously, significant reforms to disability benefits (PIP) and adjustments to the State Pension will redefine the support landscape for the UK’s most vulnerable citizens.

dwp confirms uk benefits ending next year
dwp confirms uk benefits ending next year

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