The UK Government has taken a significant step in completing the transition to Universal Credit (UC) with the introduction of SI 2025/1148, formally titled The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Commencement No. 35) (Abolition of Benefits) Order 2025. This statutory instrument, made on 29 October 2025, sets out the timetable for abolishing remaining legacy benefits and converting certain Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) awards.
What’s Changing?
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Income Support will be abolished from 1 April 2026. Any remaining awards will terminate on this date.
- From 1 December 2025, all “old-style” contributory ESA claims will convert to “new-style” ESA, preventing any future entitlement to income-related ESA.
- The changes ensure that no new claims for income-related ESA top-ups can be made after 1 December 2025.
Impact on Claimants
- Two-Week Run-On Protection: Claimants moving to UC will still receive legacy benefits during the two-week run-on period if they have claimed UC or received a migration notice but missed the deadline.
- Mixed ESA Awards: Those receiving both contributory and income-related ESA on 1 December may lose the income-related element later; the conversion rules will apply immediately when that happens.
- Housing Benefit: From 14 November 2025, Housing Benefit will end for claimants not entitled to UC or other legacy benefits when moving from specified or temporary accommodation into community housing.
Why This Matters for Advisers
- These changes mark the final phase of welfare reform, completing the shift to Universal Credit. Advisers should:
- Review client cases where legacy benefits are still in payment.
- Prepare for migration support, ensuring claimants understand deadlines and transitional protections.
- Update advice materials to reflect the abolition dates and conversion rules.