Overview
- Income Support and income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance will end on March 31, with the DWP urging anyone who receives a migration notice to apply for Universal Credit before their deadline; some ESA cases have a short extension.
- Councils are disbursing Household Support Fund awards, including £200 per eligible DLA/PIP child in Islington, £180 per child for Hillingdon households on benefit‑related free school meals, and Westminster vouchers of £170–£370 via referrals plus £200–£300 for qualifying pensioners.
- The DWP says most people on legacy benefits have moved to Universal Credit and support remains available through a dedicated helpline, online guidance and Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim, with transitional protection for those worse off when moved by managed migration.
- From April 6, Universal Credit standard allowances rise by 6.2% and larger families are set to receive substantial increases, while a new £217.26 monthly health element applies to new claims with existing higher‑rate claimants protected.
- The Warm Home Discount continues to provide a £150 winter rebate through 2030/31 alongside an average £150 cut to energy bill costs from April, and the DWP’s digital Proof of Benefit service has logged over 100,000 requests to help people access discounts.