As part of a major overhaul to the UK welfare system, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that two benefits, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), will no longer be paid. These legacy benefits are being scrapped as part of the transition to Universal Credit (UC).
Migration to Universal Credit (UC) Underway
The switch from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC) has been underway for several years. The DWP confirmed that claimants should have already applied and been moved to UC by now. Migration notices were sent to affected households, giving claimants three months to apply for the new benefit.
Those who did not apply in time risk losing their benefits.
Extended Deadline for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Amid concerns that vulnerable individuals could lose their payments, the DWP has extended the deadline for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants to ensure they can successfully transition to Universal Credit.
Success of the Universal Credit Migration Campaign
Since May 2022, the migration process has helped move over 1.9 million people to Universal Credit, including 135,000 Income Support and income-related JSA claimants. This success marks the closure of these two legacy benefits, with claimants now receiving Universal Credit.
The DWP stated that Universal Credit better reflects today’s labour market and provides a broader range of support to help people move closer to or into work.
Minister’s Statement on Universal Credit Transition
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, remarked:
“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. Vulnerable customers have been at the forefront of this campaign. In their interests, we are extending the deadline for income-related Employment Support Allowance claimants to move over.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What benefits are no longer being paid by the DWP?
The DWP has officially stopped paying Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) as part of the transition to Universal Credit (UC).
2. Why are Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance being axed?
These benefits are being scrapped to streamline the welfare system and move claimants to Universal Credit (UC), which better reflects today’s labour market and offers broader support.
3. What should I do if I haven’t moved to Universal Credit yet?
Claimants who have not transitioned to Universal Credit by now should apply immediately to avoid losing their benefits. The DWP sent migration notices giving affected households three months to apply.
4. Has the deadline for moving to Universal Credit been extended?
Yes, the DWP has extended the deadline for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants due to concerns that vulnerable individuals might lose their payments. This extension allows more time to transition to Universal Credit.
5. How many people have successfully moved to Universal Credit?
Since the campaign began in May 2022, over 1.9 million people have successfully migrated to Universal Credit, including 135,000 claimants of Income Support and income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance.
