More Than 360,000 People Yet to Switch to Universal Credit Ahead of June 30 Deadline

The Department for Work and Pensions issued fresh guidance on the transition to Universal Credit ahead of the June 30 deadline, with more than 360,000 people yet to make the switch. Government figures show that 2,353,319 people across 1,822,374 households received migration notices between July 2022 and the end of March 2026.

Of those contacted, 1,992,161 individuals have submitted claims for Universal Credit, leaving around 361,000 who have not yet taken action.

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and certain Housing Benefit claims for working-age recipients are due to end on June 30. Social Security Minister Stephen Timms confirmed that some vulnerable claimants will be exempt from the June 30 deadline.

He stated that Employment and Support Allowance recipients who require personal or corporate appointees but do not currently have those arrangements in place will be exempt.

Claimants can access support through the Move to Universal Credit Helpline. Citizens Advice provides an independent Help to Claim service offering personalised assistance with making and managing applications. " People whose Universal Credit entitlement would be lower than the amount they previously received through legacy benefits may qualify for Transitional Protection.

The DWP delayed the deadline in March to give claimants more time to complete the process. Employment and Support Allowance claimants can access the Enhanced Support Journey, which provides tailored contact and home visits from support officers. Universal Credit is replacing six legacy benefits: Child Tax Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit.