The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that from July 1, 2026, most legacy benefit payments will be scrapped as part of the Managed Migration process. However, four groups of claimants will continue to receive payments if their migration to Universal Credit (UC) has not yet been completed. This update was published on the Labour Party government website.
What Is Changing?
Under Managed Migration, DWP legacy benefits are being phased out. Claimants are being moved onto Universal Credit. The latest benefits to be discontinued include Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit. These claims will end from July 1, 2026.
Exceptions for Four Groups
The DWP has stated that limited exceptions will apply. Claimants who have not yet completed their migration to UC may still receive payments temporarily beyond July if they:
- Need an appointee to help manage their claim
- Have been identified by the DWP as requiring extra support
- Have had their migration notice delayed or cancelled
- Have not yet been successfully contacted by the DWP
Managed Migration Process
In managed migration cases, claimants entitled to an existing benefit receive a migration notice requiring them to claim UC by a specified deadline. This deadline must be at least three months after the notice is issued. It can be extended or the notice cancelled in certain circumstances.
If a migration notice is issued and no UC claim is made on or before the deadline day, all awards of existing benefits will terminate. The DWP has promised that the process includes safeguards to support vulnerable claimants moving to Universal Credit.
Additional Guidance
The DWP confirmed an update: "Added a new PDF, ADM Memo 7/26. Updated the PDFs for the Summary of changes, M5 claims for UC and H5 unearned income." This provides further details on how the changes will be implemented.
