The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) officially closed income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) and most housing benefit claims on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
This marks the final phase of the nationwide Universal Credit rollout.
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The government's managed migration scheme has transferred nearly two million people from six older welfare systems onto the single monthly Universal Credit payment since 2023.
Other legacy benefits involved in the concluded migration process include child tax credit, working tax credit, income support, and income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA).
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“The successful completion of move to universal credit marks a major milestone,” said Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, to The Independent.
He noted that tailored assistance, including home visits and specialist safeguarding referrals, was provided to help vulnerable individuals navigate the transition smoothly.
“We've provided extensive tailored support to ensure the most vulnerable customers are supported on every step of their journey,” added Sir Stephen Timms.
He also highlighted a £3.5 billion commitment aimed at removing employment barriers and supporting sick and disabled citizens back into work.
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Despite the official milestone, housing benefit remains open for roughly 1.6 million claimants who are of state pension age or residing in temporary and supported accommodation.
However, the transition system has faced criticism from advocacy organizations regarding the strict three-month deadline given to claimants to migrate or risk losing their welfare income.
“Slipping through the net,” warned a research report from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in August 2025.
The report added that evidence showed some claimants “are missing deadlines and losing their income.”
Researchers described the direct impact on families who miss the migration window as a “hard landing.”
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The DWP continues to advise remaining legacy benefit recipients to apply immediately upon receiving their official Migration Notice online or via the helpline to secure transitional protection and prevent payment interruptions.
