The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the UK’s largest public service department, responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy. It administers the State Pension and a range of working-age, disability, and ill-health benefits to over 20 million claimants. As of 2026, the DWP is overseeing significant reforms including the final phase of “Managed Migration” to Universal Credit, the removal of the two-child benefit limit, and major changes to sickness benefit entitlements.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Department for Work and Pensions in 2026. From the confirmed benefit uprating in April 2026 to the new rules for Statutory Sick Pay and the final deadlines for legacy benefits, this resource is designed to help you navigate the system effectively.
What is the DWP?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the government department responsible for the administration of the UK’s welfare state. Its primary goal is to support people into work and provide financial security for those who cannot work or are retired.
Core Responsibilities
- Working Age Benefits: Administering Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- Disability Support: Managing Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance.
- Pensions: overseeing the State Pension, Pension Credit, and the regulatory framework for private pensions.
- Child Maintenance: Operating the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to ensure parents contribute to their children’s upbringing.
Key Agencies
The DWP delivers services through several operational organizations:
- Jobcentre Plus: The frontline service for working-age claimants, helping with job searches and benefit claims.
- The Pension Service: Dedicated support for current and future pensioners.
- Child Maintenance Service: Manages statutory child maintenance cases.
Universal Credit Changes 2026
2026 brings some of the most significant structural changes to Universal Credit since its introduction. Understanding these shifts is crucial for managing your household budget.
April 2026 Rate Increases
From April 6, 2026, Universal Credit standard allowances will increase by approximately 3.8% in line with inflation figures from the previous year.
- Single (Under 25): Rising from £316.98 to £338.58 per month.
- Single (25+): Rising from £400.14 to £424.90 per month.
- Joint Claimants (Both under 25): Rising from £497.55 to £528.34 per month.
- Joint Claimants (One/Both 25+): Rising from £628.10 to £666.97 per month.
The End of the Two-Child Limit
In a major policy shift effective April 2026, the “two-child limit” is being removed.
- Previously: Families could only claim the Child Element for their first two children (unless exceptions applied).
- New Rule: Claimants will receive an additional child element for every eligible child, regardless of when they were born. This change is expected to significantly boost the income of larger families.
New Rules for Health Claimants (LCWRA)
While support for children is expanding, support for new health-related claims is being restructured.
- Existing Claimants: If you already receive the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element, your payments are protected. The rate will rise to approximately £429.08 per month.
- New Claimants: From April 2026, new claimants assessed as unable to work will receive a lower tier of support, aimed at incentivizing work where possible. This new rate is set around £217.26 (approx), significantly lower than the previous LCWRA rate.
Managed Migration: The Final Deadline
The “Move to UC” program, known as Managed Migration, aims to move all legacy benefit claimants to Universal Credit.March 2026 is the critical deadline for this process.
The Timeline
- ESA Claimants: The DWP began sending Migration Notices to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants in late 2024. If you are on income-related ESA, you should have received your letter by now.
- The Hard Deadline: All legacy benefits (Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, JSA-IB, ESA-IR) will cease entirely by March 31, 2026.
- Action Required: You must make a claim for Universal Credit by the deadline date on your Migration Notice.Your legacy benefits do not transfer automatically. If you fail to claim, your payments will stop.
Transitional Protection
If you move to Universal Credit via the official Managed Migration process (i.e., waiting for your letter), you are entitled to Transitional Protection.
- This ensures your Universal Credit payment is not lower than your previous benefits at the point of transfer.
- The DWP tops up your payment to match your old income. This top-up erodes over time as standard rates increase (like in April 2026).
- Warning: If you switch voluntarily before receiving your letter, you lose this financial protection.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 2026
Disability benefits are also undergoing administrative reforms in 2026 to tackle backlogs and improve assessment accuracy.
Assessment Changes (April 2026)
To reduce the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA), the DWP is changing how it awards PIP.
- Longer Awards: New PIP awards will generally be for a minimum of 3 years, rising to 5 years at the review stage if the condition is unchanged. This aims to reduce the stress of frequent reassessments for those with long-term conditions.
- Face-to-Face Assessments: The DWP is increasing the proportion of face-to-face assessments to 30% (up from 6% in previous years). While phone and video assessments remain common, more claimants will be asked to attend assessment centers to ensure accurate decision-making.
2026 Rates
PIP rates will also rise by roughly 3.8% in April 2026.
- Daily Living Component:
- Standard: Rising to £76.70 per week.
- Enhanced: Rising to £114.60 per week.
- Mobility Component:
- Standard: Rising to £30.25 per week.
- Enhanced: Rising to £80.05 per week.
State Pension & Pension Credit
Pensioners will see a significant uplift in April 2026 thanks to the Triple Lock mechanism, which guarantees the State Pension rises by the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%.
New State Pension Rates
- The full New State Pension will rise by approximately 4.8%.
- This translates to a weekly increase of roughly £10.90, bringing the total to over £238 per week for those with a full National Insurance record.
Pension Credit Boost
Pension Credit, the top-up benefit for low-income pensioners, is also increasing.
- Standard Minimum Guarantee (Single): Rising from £227.10 to £238.00 per week.
- Why Claim? Pension Credit is a “gateway benefit.” Claiming even a small amount unlocks other support, such as full Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and the Winter Fuel Payment (which is now means-tested).
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Reform
A major change for employees comes via the Employment Rights Bill, taking effect in April 2026.
Removal of the Earnings Threshold
- Old Rule: Previously, you had to earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (£123/week) to qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
- New Rule: The earnings threshold is removed. This extends sick pay rights to over 1.3 million low-paid and part-time workers who were previously excluded.
- Waiting Days: The “three-day waiting period” (where you were not paid for the first three days of sickness) is also being abolished, meaning SSP is payable from day one of absence.
- 2026 Rate: The SSP weekly rate will rise to £123.25.
Practical Information: Contacting the DWP
Reaching the right department is essential for resolving issues. Below are the updated contact details for 2026.
Universal Credit
- Helpline: 0800 328 5644
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
- Best way to contact: Use your online Universal Credit Journal for non-urgent queries.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- New Claims: 0800 917 2222
- Enquiries: 0800 121 4433
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm.
The Pension Service
- State Pension Enquiries: 0800 731 7898
- Pension Credit Claim Line: 0800 99 1234
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
Jobcentre Plus (ESA/JSA)
- New Claims: 0800 055 6688
- Existing Claims: 0800 169 0310
Fraud & Investigations
In 2026, the DWP continues its crackdown on benefit fraud. New powers allow investigators to access bank data to verify capital limits for Universal Credit claimants.
- Capital Limits: If you have over £16,000 in savings, you are generally not eligible for Universal Credit. The DWP now uses automated checks to identify claimants exceeding this threshold.
- Rogue Landlords: A new initiative expanded in 2026 targets landlords who abuse the Housing Benefit system, ensuring taxpayer money protects tenants rather than funding substandard housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the two-child limit be scrapped? The removal of the two-child limit for Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits is scheduled to begin from April 6, 2026. From this date, you will be able to claim for third and subsequent children regardless of their birth date.
2. Is there a Cost of Living Payment in 2026? As of early 2026, there are no scheduled lump-sum Cost of Living Payments (like the £900 paid in previous years). Support is instead being delivered through the uprating of standard benefit rates and Pension Credit.
3. What is the Managed Migration deadline? The final deadline for most legacy benefit claimants to move to Universal Credit is March 31, 2026. You must check your Migration Notice for your specific deadline date.
4. Will my PIP be reassessed in 2026? If your award is ending, you will be reviewed. However, new rules introduced in April 2026 mean that successful reviews will likely result in a longer award period (minimum 3-5 years) to reduce the frequency of assessments.
5. How much is the State Pension increasing in 2026? The New State Pension is set to rise by approximately 4.8% in April 2026. This is due to strong wage growth figures used in the Triple Lock calculation.
6. Can I get sick pay if I work part-time? Yes. From April 2026, the Lower Earnings Limit for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is removed. Even if you earn less than £129/week, you will be eligible for SSP, likely paid at a percentage of your wages (e.g., 80%) if that is lower than the flat rate.
7. Do I need to apply for the benefit rate increase? No. The rate increases in April 2026 are applied automatically. You do not need to contact the DWP; your payments will simply adjust.
8. What happens if I miss my Managed Migration deadline? If you do not claim Universal Credit by the deadline on your letter, your legacy benefits will stop. You usually have a one-month grace period after the deadline where you can still claim and receive Transitional Protection, but your payments will be disrupted.
9. Is the Christmas Bonus still paid in 2026? Yes, the DWP Christmas Bonus (a tax-free £10 payment) is still paid to eligible claimants in the first week of December.
10. How do I report a change of circumstances? For Universal Credit, report changes via your online Journal immediately. For PIP or legacy benefits, you must call the relevant helpline. Failure to report changes (like moving house or a change in income) can lead to overpayments or fraud investigations.
DWP CONFIRMS Major PIP Rule Change From Feb 2026
This video is highly relevant as it details the specific operational changes to PIP assessments starting in 2026, including the shift to longer award durations and increased face-to-face appointments, which directly impacts millions of claimants.
