As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) completes the nationwide move to Universal Credit (UC), it has confirmed when two major UK benefits will end.
From 1 April 2026, Income Support and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) will be abolished, with remaining claims stopped and eligible households expected to be on Universal Credit.
This is part of the government’s “managed migration” plan to close all legacy benefits and simplify support under UC.
What exactly is ending—and what stays?
The DWP has already closed Tax Credits (as of 5 April 2025) and is now finalising the switch for other working-age legacy benefits.
By April 2026, Income Support and income-based JSA will be discontinued.
Contributory (“new style”) JSA/ESA are not ending, and disability and carer-related benefits continue as separate payments.
Key dates and what will happen next
Most claimants will receive a Migration Notice giving a deadline (usually three months) to apply for Universal Credit.
If you apply by the deadline, you may receive transitional protection so your UC is not lower at the point of transfer (it can erode over time if your UC increases).
Those who miss their deadline risk payments stopping before April 2026.
Timeline at a glance
| Item | What changes | Who’s affected | When it happens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Credits (Working Tax Credit / Child Tax Credit) | Ended; claimants move to UC | Working-age Tax Credit claimants | 5 April 2025 |
| Income Support | Ending; move to UC on notice | Income Support claimants | By 1 April 2026 |
| Income-based JSA | Ending; move to UC on notice | JSA (income-based) claimants | By 1 April 2026 |
| Income-related ESA | Migration accelerates through 2025 | Income-related ESA claimants | To complete by early 2026 |
| Housing Benefit (working‐age) | Generally replaced by UC housing element (exceptions apply) | Working-age HB claimants | Phased, completes with UC rollout |
| PIP / Attendance Allowance / Carer’s Allowance / new style JSA/ESA | Continue separately from UC | Disability/carer/National Insurance-based claimants | Ongoing |
What you will need to do (future steps)
- Watch for a Migration Notice: The letter tells you when to apply for UC by your deadline to keep payments continuous.
- Prepare documents: Have ID, rent details, earnings, and savings information ready for your UC claim interview and verification.
- Assess your entitlement: Some households will be better off on UC, others may rely on transitional protection. Missing the deadline can forfeit that protection.
- Note exceptions: If you’re in supported or temporary accommodation, you may stay on Housing Benefit for rent while claiming UC for other elements.
Why this matters for 2026
By early 2026, the DWP expects the UC rollout to be complete, meaning no remaining claims for Income Support or income-based JSA.
In the months leading up to April 2026, claimants who have not responded to migration letters may see payments stop, while those who have engaged and claimed UC should have continuity of support (subject to their assessment).
Common myths to avoid
- “All JSA is ending.” False. Only income-based JSA ends; new style (contributory) JSA continues separately from UC.
- “You can wait until after April 2026.” Risky. Missing your Migration Notice deadline can cause a gap in payments and loss of transitional protection.
- “PIP is merging into UC.” PIP continues as a separate disability benefit; your UC claim will not replace it.
The DWP’s managed migration means Income Support and income-based JSA will end by 1 April 2026, with remaining claimants expected to be on Universal Credit.
If you receive a Migration Notice, apply before your deadline to maintain continuity and secure any transitional protection you’re entitled to.
Understanding these future changes—what’s ending, what continues, and how UC will assess your household—will help you plan ahead and avoid gaps in support.
FAQs
Which two major benefits will end and when?
Income Support and income-based JSA will be abolished, with remaining claims expected to be closed by 1 April 2026 as part of the UC rollout.
Will I automatically be moved to Universal Credit?
No. You’ll receive a Migration Notice with a deadline; you must apply for UC by that date to keep payments continuous and to access transitional protection if eligible.
Are disability and contributory benefits affected?
PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and new style (contributory) JSA/ESA continue. Only income-based working-age legacy benefits are being closed.
