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Abolition of Legacy Benefits
20 April 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses the completion and future closu [5D [K closure of legacy benefits systems as part of the transition to Universal C [1D [K Credit.
Action Requested
The Minister announces the closure of Income Support [7D [K Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, and applicable Housing Benefit [K on March 31st, 2026, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance on [2D [K on June 30th, 2026. The Department will also exempt customers requiring tim [3D [K time to find an appointee from the initial abolition date and provide neces [5D [K necessary support.
Key Facts
- Universal Credit is claimed by more than 8 million people [6D [K people.
- On March 31st, 2026, Income Support and income-based Jobseekers [K Allowance will be closed.
- Employment and Support Allowance and applicabl [9D [K applicable Housing Benefit will close on June 30th, 2026.
- As of December [8D [K December 31st, 2025, over 2.4 million individuals across 1.8 million househ [6D [K households have been notified to transition to Universal Credit.
- Over 1. [2D [K 1.5 million households have made a claim to Universal Credit after being no [2D [K notified.
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