DWP confirms end of two legacy benefits as universal credit rollout concludes
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that two benefits claimed by millions of people have ended as the rollout of universal credit officially concludes, reports BritPanorama.
Wednesday marked the final phase of the government’s ‘move to universal credit’ scheme, which has seen claimants of all six ‘legacy benefits’ gradually transitioned to universal credit since 2023. Specifically, income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) and housing benefit came to an end.
The benefits involved in this migration also include child tax credit, working tax credit, income support, and income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA).
To date, two million people have moved from these “outdated” benefits to universal credit, according to the DWP, as it officially marks the end of the scheme.
Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability, stated that the successful completion of the transition signifies a major milestone, with nearly two million people having shifted to universal credit from legacy benefits, which have now closed for most working households. “We’ve provided extensive tailored support to ensure the most vulnerable customers are supported on every step of their journey, including home visits, specialist safeguarding referrals, dedicated Jobcentre staff and extra time for those requiring an appointee,” he added.
As of February, around 1.6 million people were still receiving housing benefit, mainly individuals in temporary accommodation and those of state pension age. This benefit remains available for these claimants despite the milestone.
However, some experts have critiqued the transition to universal credit, arguing that the DWP’s migration notice system, which allows claimants three months to migrate or risk losing their benefits, may not be effective for all individuals.
In August 2025, research conducted by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) highlighted concerns that some individuals may be “slipping through the net” during their transition to universal credit. Evidence indicated that some claimants had missed deadlines, leading to lost income. This loss can result in severe financial difficulties, characterized by a “hard landing,” researchers warned.
In a case reported last month, a vulnerable couple lost £600 a month in their transition to universal credit after receiving misleading advice about the migration scheme from their local council.
Sir Stephen Timms remarked that the conclusion of the scheme coincides with significant measures taken to assist people in securing employment, such as reforms to universal credit designed to eliminate barriers that previously directed individuals toward long-term sickness benefits, the introduction of the right to try, and a commitment of £3.5 billion to support sick and disabled individuals into work.
The veteran Labour MP is currently leading a review into the Personal Independence Payment (Pip), which is Britain’s most frequently claimed health and disability-related benefit, with nearly four million claimants. This review, expected to report in the autumn, was announced last year amid a potential backbench rebellion from Labour against the government regarding proposed cuts to the benefit.
The transition to universal credit thus marks not only a significant policy shift but raises ongoing questions about the support systems in place for those affected.
