More than 1.9 million people have been moved onto Universal Credit as the government officially shuts down decades-old benefits in a major welfare shake-up.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed the closures mark a key milestone in its nationwide “Move to Universal Credit” campaign – but thousands of vulnerable claimants still face a race against time.
Two older benefits have now officially closed, with claimants moved onto Universal Credit instead. The government says the system is being “modernised” to better reflect today’s jobs market.
But not everyone has been switched yet.
A final deadline extension has been granted for some of the most vulnerable people – including those on:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit (in certain cases)
These claimants are now expected to move by the end of summer 2026.
Work and Pensions minister Stephen Timms said: “Our Move to Universal Credit campaign has been successful in moving over 1.9 million people from legacy benefits to the modern Universal Credit system.”
He added: “Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign… we are extending the deadline… so they can continue to be supported to make the move.”
Universal Credit is now the UK’s main benefit system – replacing a range of older payments with a single monthly payment.
More than 65,000 people have already taken up extra help through new “Pathways to Work” advisers, according to the DWP.
Urgent: some claimants still need to act
The DWP is warning that some people still need to make a claim or risk losing payments.
Extra help is being offered, including:
- A dedicated Move to UC helpline
- Home visits for hard-to-reach claimants
- Tailored support for vulnerable households
Extensions can be granted – but you must request one before your deadline.
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What do the changes mean for DWP claimants?
- If you’re already on Universal Credit – nothing changes
- If you’re on older benefits – you may be contacted to switch
- If you ignore notices – payments could stop
The DWP says the overhaul is about creating a system that “promotes opportunity rather than stifling it” – but for many, the key message is simple:
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