DWP Confirms Two UK Benefits Will Be ABOLISHED By April 2026: What Claimants Must Do Now

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a major overhaul of the UK’s welfare system, with a strict deadline of April 2026 set for the complete abolition of two key legacy benefits. This move, which is part of the ongoing managed migration to Universal Credit (UC), means hundreds of thousands of claimants currently receiving these payments must take urgent action or face the possibility of their financial support ending entirely. This article, updated for December 2025, details the specific benefits being phased out, the exact timeline for the transition, and the crucial steps claimants need to take immediately. The official DWP guidance confirms that while the headline "benefits are ending" is technically true for the legacy schemes, the support itself is being replaced by the modern, integrated Universal Credit system. The transition is not simply a name change; it involves a new application process, different payment structures, and new eligibility criteria that all affected claimants must navigate before the 2026 deadline. Understanding the *Migration Notice* and its implications is now paramount for anyone on the affected legacy benefits.

The Two Major Benefits Set for Complete Abolition by April 2026

The DWP is rapidly accelerating the process of moving claimants from the older "legacy" benefits onto Universal Credit, a process that has been underway for several years. The target for the complete phase-out of the six main legacy benefits is now set for 2026, with two specific benefits confirmed to be completely abolished by April 2026. The two benefits facing a final closure date are:

• Income Support (IS): This means-tested benefit, which provides financial help to people on a low income, is one of the schemes being fully discontinued.
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): The income-based version of JSA, designed for those actively seeking work, will also be completely phased out.

While these two are the first to be completely abolished, the DWP’s managed migration timetable also targets a deadline of March 2026 for the end of new claims for Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Income-Related ESA with Housing Benefit. This aggressive timeline confirms the government's commitment to finalising the transition away from the patchwork of legacy benefits to the single Universal Credit system.

The Universal Credit Migration Notice: Your Critical Deadline

For claimants receiving any of the legacy benefits, the most important document to watch out for is the Migration Notice letter from the DWP. This letter is not a warning; it is a formal instruction that triggers a non-negotiable deadline.

What the Migration Notice Means:

• A Hard Deadline: The letter will contain a specific deadline, usually three months from the date of issue, by which you must apply for Universal Credit.
• Loss of Payment: If a claimant fails to apply for Universal Credit by the deadline specified in their Migration Notice, their existing legacy benefit payments will automatically cease. This is the mechanism by which benefits are "ending."
• Transitional Protection: Claimants who move to UC via the managed migration process and apply before the deadline may be eligible for Transitional Protection. This crucial element ensures that if your Universal Credit entitlement is lower than your previous legacy benefits, your payment is topped up to ensure you do not lose money at the point of transition. This protection is only available to those who move under the managed migration process and meet the deadline.

It is vital to understand that simply waiting for the April 2026 deadline is not an option. The DWP is issuing Migration Notices in batches, and once you receive yours, the clock is ticking on your individual transition period.

Key Universal Credit Changes and Other Benefit Upratings for 2026

As the managed migration process accelerates towards the 2026 deadline, other significant changes are also set to impact the welfare landscape, affecting both new and existing Universal Credit claimants, as well as those on disability benefits.

The Removal of the Two-Child Limit

One of the most significant changes confirmed for April 2026 is the removal of the Two-Child Limit for all new Universal Credit and Tax Credit claimants. This policy currently restricts the child element of UC to the first two children in a family. While the full financial impact and legislative details are still being finalised, its removal is a major policy shift that will significantly affect larger families claiming benefits from 2026 onwards.

Changes to Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)

Another critical policy change set for April 2026 affects new claimants of Universal Credit who receive the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element. The DWP has confirmed that new claimants will no longer receive the full weekly amount (currently around £94 per week) and will instead receive a reduced payment, estimated to be around £50 per week. This change is part of broader reforms aimed at refocusing on work capability and support, and it is essential for anyone applying for UC with a health condition to be aware of this reduced rate.

Confirmed Uprating for Disability Benefits in 2026

It is important to note that while some benefits are being phased out, others are confirmed to be increasing. The DWP has officially confirmed that disability and health-related benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), will rise in line with the annual uprating rules from April 2026. The annual uprating is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, ensuring that the value of these payments is maintained. Other inflation-linked benefits, including the Universal Credit standard allowance, are also set for an uprating in April 2026. This provides a measure of financial stability for vulnerable claimants amidst the broader structural changes.

Action Plan: How to Prepare for the Universal Credit Transition

The looming April 2026 deadline for the abolition of Income Support and income-based JSA, and the wider completion of the managed migration for all legacy benefits, demands a proactive approach from claimants.

Checklist for Legacy Benefit Claimants:

1. Locate Your Migration Notice: If you are on Income Support, income-based JSA, or Income-Related ESA, be vigilant for the official DWP Migration Notice letter. Do not ignore it.
2. Apply Immediately: Once you receive the notice, you must apply for Universal Credit before the deadline specified in the letter. Failure to do so will result in your current benefit payments stopping.
3. Seek Independent Advice: Universal Credit calculations can be complex. Organisations like Citizens Advice or local welfare rights groups can provide free, independent advice to ensure you receive the correct entitlement, including the vital Transitional Protection.
4. Gather Documents: Prepare documentation such as proof of identity, housing costs, savings, and income, as these will be required for your new Universal Credit application.

The DWP’s confirmation that these benefits are ending is not a signal of support being withdrawn, but rather a final call to action for claimants to move to the new system. By understanding the Managed Migration process and the April 2026 deadline, claimants can ensure a smooth transition and secure their future financial support under Universal Credit.

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