House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Abolition of Legacy Benefits
20 April 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions
Proposed by Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Minister announces the closure of Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and applicable Housing Benefit on March 31st, 2026.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance is set to close on June 30th, 2026.
- Customers needing time to find an appointee will be exempt from the initial abolition date and will receive necessary support.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the completion and future closure of legacy benefits systems as part of the transition to Universal Credit.
Action requested
The Minister announces the closure of Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and applicable Housing Benefit on March 31st, 2026, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance on June 30th, 2026. The Department will also exempt customers requiring time to find an appointee from the initial abolition date and provide necessary support.
Key facts
- Universal Credit is claimed by more than 8 million people.
- On March 31st, 2026, Income Support and income-based Jobseekers Allowance will be closed.
- Employment and Support Allowance and applicable Housing Benefit will close on June 30th, 2026.
- As of December 31st, 2025, over 2.4 million individuals across 1.8 million households have been notified to transition to Universal Credit.
- Over 1.5 million households have made a claim to Universal Credit after being notified.