The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Commencement No. 35) (Abolition of Benefits) Order 2025
What’s Happening?
This order brings major changes to older benefits as part of welfare reform. Advisers need to prepare for:
Important Dates
- 14 Nov 2025 – Some housing benefit awards end when claimants move from temporary to general accommodation.
- 1 Dec 2025 – All old-style contributory ESA becomes new-style ESA.
- No new income-related ESA can be added after this date.
- 1 Apr 2026 – Income-based JSA and Income Support abolished.
- Two-week run-on applies for claimants moving to Universal Credit.
What Does This Mean?
- ESA Changes
- Old-style ESA (started before UC rollout) will convert to new-style ESA.
- New-style ESA is contributory-only; any means-tested help comes via Universal Credit.
- JSA and Income Support
- These benefits will end completely from April 2026.
- Housing Benefit
- Ends for certain moves, but new claims may be allowed under transitional rules.
Action for Advisers
- Update advice materials and benefit calculations.
- Inform clients about conversion and abolition dates.
- Check transitional protections for UC migration and housing benefit.