The DWP explained ‘what’s actually happening’ with the rise in Universal Credit claims
The Department for Work and Pensions has responded to the sharp increase in Universal Credit claimants in recent years, clarifying that it is not what many assume, as nearly 80 per cent of these new recipients have not submitted fresh applications for the benefit.
Since 2022, six legacy benefits have been progressively integrated into Universal Credit, and the DWP confirmed this accounts for the overwhelming majority of the substantial rise in claims. The department posted on X: “Nearly 80% of the increase is people being moved from old benefits onto Universal Credit. Not new claims. A transition we inherited.
“And it’s the same story for those with no work requirements – at least 72% of that increase is legacy benefit claimants moving across.”
In December 2025, the total number of people claiming Universal Credit in Britain reached 8.34 million, up almost a full million since December 2024. However, data released on Tuesday revealed that over 775,000 of these individuals had been transferred from legacy benefits.
Essentially, the dramatic rise in people receiving Universal Credit since 2022 stems from a circumstantial bulk transfer rather than a pattern suggesting how many more people might continue to submit new claims for the benefit going forward. The transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit has been progressing through a managed migration process.
Those affected have been sent migration notices and given the chance to transfer their claim to Universal Credit with Transitional Protection before their existing benefits ceased.
Legacy benefits being moved to Universal Credit:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Certain benefits, such as Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits, have already formally concluded. The Government expects the final phases of the migration to be completed by the end of March.
The managed migration process commences when an individual receives their migration notice. This will specify their personal deadline by which they must apply for Universal Credit to secure Transitional Protection, which guarantees they won’t be financially disadvantaged under the new system.
For instance, if somebody received £600 monthly from Tax Credits but only qualifies for £400 from Universal Credit under standard eligibility criteria, the Transitional Protection will provide an additional £200. Nevertheless, if you fail to meet the deadline stated in your migration notice, you will forfeit any Transitional Protection.
Those unable to meet the deadline stated in their migration notice may also qualify for reasonable adjustments from the DWP. These could include deadline extensions or the appointment of representatives for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs independently.
Earlier this month, Sir Stephen Timms disclosed that more than 150 Complex Case Coaches have been deployed to deliver tailored support, collaborating with local safeguarding teams to assist especially vulnerable individuals.
