The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that Income Support (IS) and income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) will be permanently scrapped starting from 1 April 2026. This move is part of the ongoing effort to migrate all legacy benefits to Universal Credit, a process that began in 2022.
Current recipients of IS and income-based JSA will receive official letters from the DWP prompting them to begin the managed migration process well before the deadline. It is crucial for claimants to respond promptly to these notices to ensure their support continues without interruption.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasized the importance of this transition: “If you receive a letter asking you to move to Universal Credit, please don’t ignore it. Responding promptly ensures you keep receiving the support you’re entitled to.”
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To assist with this change, the government offers various support services, including a dedicated helpline, detailed guidance on GOV.UK, and free “Help to Claim” support from Citizens Advice. Additional personalized assistance, such as phone calls and home visits, is also available for those moving from Employment and Support Allowance.
While new claims for income-based JSA are no longer accepted, individuals can still apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance to aid their job search. Recipients of income-based JSA will continue to receive payments while eligible, until their claims conclude or they transition to Universal Credit.
Those shifting to Universal Credit from income-based JSA will generally continue to receive their existing JSA amount for up to two weeks following their new claim, provided they remain eligible. The DWP will provide claimants with clear information on how this transition will work.
Claimants are encouraged to engage with their work coaches after six months if they continue to require support, as New Style JSA is limited to 182 days.
Act now to avoid losing essential financial support when these long-standing benefits are phased out in April 2026.