Move to Universal Credit programme is ending

From April 2025, the Move to Universal Credit programme was formally brought to a close. This follows a written statement from the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms in November 2024.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) began sending migration notices to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) claimants in September 2024, and now plans to notify this entire cohort by September 2025. This is in line with government’s aim to move all legacy claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026. We will regularly update members on the latest progress through our Welfare Newsletter.

Within the DWP, the Move to Universal Credit programme is being replaced by the Working Age Service, a new directorate. The Working Age Service will be responsible for overseeing Universal Credit, as well as focusing on maximising employment.

What does this mean for housing associations

Despite the change of name and responsibilities for the directorate, we believe this will not greatly impact members. We will continue to raise issues related to the Universal Credit system to the DWP. The National Housing Federation (NHF) expects that our engagement with the department will remain the same, with the DWP and NHF members engagement forums continuing to meet regularly.