If you’re still receiving one of the older-style benefits, it’s important to know that big changes are on the way. The Government has announced that by March 2026, four of these “legacy benefits” will completely end. This is part of a wider plan by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to simplify the system by combining several separate benefits into one known as Universal Credit (UC).
In simple terms, this means that instead of claiming different benefits for housing, job-seeking, or income support, everything will now be brought together under one single payment system. The idea is to make it easier for people to manage their money and to reduce errors or delays that often happened when people were claiming more than one benefit.
The Shift from Old to New What’s Actually Happening
The UK welfare system is undergoing a full transformation. The government wants to simplify how people receive financial support, so it’s replacing several older benefits with Universal Credit a single monthly payment that combines multiple forms of help in one place.
So far, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit have already ended. The next in line are:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Housing Benefit (except for those in supported or temporary accommodation)
These benefits will all end by March 2026.
That means if you’re still on any of these, your payments will not continue automatically. You’ll need to move to Universal Credit — and that move isn’t optional. If you ignore the letter or delay your claim, your old benefits will stop.
What Is Universal Credit and Why Is It Replacing Everything?
Universal Credit was designed to bring several different benefits together under one single system. Instead of juggling multiple payments housing help, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, tax credits — everything is combined into one payment that adjusts according to your circumstances.
The DWP says this change makes the system “simpler, fairer, and more responsive,” meaning your payments can rise or fall automatically depending on your situation.
For example, if you lose your job, Universal Credit can increase automatically; if you start earning more, it will decrease accordingly. That flexibility is what older benefits couldn’t easily provide.
Who Is Being Affected Right Now
The DWP is gradually moving people from old benefits to Universal Credit. This process is called “managed migration.”
If you’re affected, you’ll receive an official Migration Notice through the post. The letter will tell you:
- The exact date your old benefits will end
- The deadline by which you must apply for Universal Credit
- How to make your Universal Credit claim online
Once you receive this letter, you must act before the date listed. If you don’t, your existing benefits will stop, even if you still qualify for help.
Important: Do Not Ignore the Migration Notice
This is one of the biggest points people are missing. When that letter arrives, it’s not just information — it’s a deadline.
The DWP has made it very clear:
“To continue getting financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date in your letter. Your benefits will end even if you decide not to claim Universal Credit.”
So don’t wait until the last day. Make the claim early. That way, your payments won’t be interrupted, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress or hardship.
Will You Get Less Money on Universal Credit?
That’s one of the most common questions people are asking. The good news is that most claimants will receive the same amount or slightly more when they switch to Universal Credit.
Universal Credit is made up of a standard allowance and extra elements depending on your circumstances. You may receive additional amounts if you:
- Have children
- Pay rent or a mortgage
- Have a disability or long-term health condition
- Care for someone with a disability
So in many cases, the total amount you get should match what you were getting before.
However, some people might notice a difference and that’s where transitional protection comes in.
What Is Transitional Protection and How It Works
If your total benefit amount under Universal Credit is less than what you currently receive, you’ll automatically get a top-up payment called transitional protection.
This ensures you won’t lose out financially at the point of migration. You don’t have to apply for this top-up — it will be added automatically, as long as you make your Universal Credit claim before your deadline.
Think of it as a financial safety net that keeps you at the same income level you had before moving over. Over time, though, transitional protection can reduce or end if your circumstances change or if Universal Credit rates rise.
But the key point is this: you only get transitional protection if you apply for Universal Credit before your old benefits stop. If you delay or miss the deadline, you lose that protection entirely.
What Happens If You Don’t Move in Time
If you don’t apply by the date on your Migration Notice, your old benefits will stop. They won’t automatically restart, and you’ll have to make a new Universal Credit claim under normal rules.
That means no transitional top-up, and you could end up receiving less than before.
The DWP is giving several weeks’ notice in each letter, so there’s enough time to apply. Still, it’s smart to act quickly rather than wait until the final day.
Why the Government Is Doing This
According to the DWP, the goal is to create a single, modern benefits system that better reflects people’s lives today. The department says the change will “help claimants access the right support faster” and make it easier to adjust to new circumstances such as job changes, illness, or caring responsibilities.
But not everyone agrees. Some charities and campaigners worry that people who are vulnerable, elderly, or less tech-savvy might miss the migration letter or struggle with online applications, putting them at risk of losing payments.
That’s why if you know someone on these old benefits especially an older person, single parent, or someone with health issues it’s worth checking that they’re aware of the switch and helping them get support if needed.
How to Prepare for the Change
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Check which benefits you’re on.
If you currently receive any of the four listed — Income-based JSA, Income Support, income-related ESA, or Housing Benefit — be aware that you’ll need to switch soon. - Wait for your Migration Notice.
You don’t need to apply for Universal Credit until the DWP officially contacts you, but once you receive the letter, don’t delay. - Gather your information.
You’ll need details about your rent, savings, income, childcare costs, and any disabilities. Having those ready makes applying faster and easier. - Apply online via the official GOV.UK website — not through third-party links. Go to www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit.
- Get help if needed.
Citizens Advice has a free “Help to Claim” service where trained advisers guide you through the Universal Credit process step by step.
Housing Benefit The One Special Case
Most people getting Housing Benefit will also be moved to Universal Credit, but there’s one exception: if you live in supported or temporary accommodation, you’ll continue receiving Housing Benefit instead of moving to UC for housing costs.
If you’re not sure whether your housing falls into that category, check with your landlord or local council. They’ll be able to confirm if your accommodation counts as “supported.”
What Happens After You Switch
Once your Universal Credit claim is approved, your old benefits stop, and your new UC payments begin. The money is usually paid once a month directly into your bank account.
If you’re used to weekly or fortnightly payments, that might feel like a big change, so budgeting becomes important. Universal Credit allows you to apply for an advance payment if you need help covering expenses while waiting for your first payment.
Key Timeline to Remember
- Now to 2026: The DWP is sending Migration Notices to remaining claimants.
- By March 2026: All legacy benefits will end completely.
- After March 2026: Only Universal Credit will remain as the main system for financial support.
That’s the final stage of a rollout that started several years ago and the government says it wants the full migration completed by that March deadline.
What If You Think You’ll Lose Out
If you’re worried you’ll get less on Universal Credit, don’t panic. Transitional protection ensures you won’t lose money at the start. Over time, it may reduce if your income changes, but initially, your amount will be protected.
If you believe your new Universal Credit calculation is wrong, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration essentially, an official review of your claim. If you still disagree after that, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
A Simple Example
Imagine Sarah, who currently receives Income Support and Housing Benefit. She gets her Migration Notice in early 2025. She applies for Universal Credit within the deadline.
Her new Universal Credit payment combines both supports a standard allowance plus a housing element and ends up being nearly the same as what she used to get. Because she applied before her old benefits stopped, she also gets transitional protection, which keeps her from losing out during the transition.
Now imagine Mark, who ignores the letter. When his old benefits stop, he later applies for Universal Credit but no longer qualifies for transitional protection. He still gets UC, but at a lower rate than his previous combined payments.
That’s why it’s vital to act quickly.
Why Acting Early Makes a Difference
Universal Credit takes time to set up. You need to provide information, verify your identity, and sometimes attend an interview. Doing this before your deadline ensures your payments continue smoothly without any break in income.
Waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress, and you risk a gap between your old and new payments — something many families can’t afford.
If you have internet access, apply online; if not, call your local Jobcentre or Citizens Advice for help completing your claim by phone or in person.
The Bigger Picture What This Means for the Future
By the end of 2026, the benefits landscape in the UK will look completely different. The days of separate systems one for housing, another for jobseekers, another for tax credits will be over.
Universal Credit will be the single support system for working-age people. Pensioners will still have Pension Credit, but for most others, UC will be the main way of claiming help.
Supporters say this makes the system more flexible and fair. Critics argue it still needs improvement, especially in how delays and sanctions are handled. But either way, the change is happening and everyone affected should prepare.