Last mentioned: Mar 18, 2026
Migration Deadline
Target date for the majority of legacy benefit claimants to have moved to UC.
Fiscal Year End
Final payments under the 2025/26 rates are completed ahead of the April uprating.
Lewis Penalty Warning
Martin Lewis issues high-profile alert regarding the £100 fine risk.
St. Patrick's Day (NI)
Payments due in Northern Ireland on this date are typically moved to March 13 or 16.
March Cycle Commencement
The first wave of monthly Universal Credit and disability benefit payments begins.
Migration Acceleration
DWP begins accelerated migration for those on Tax Credits only.
Financial expert Martin Lewis has alerted Universal Credit claimants previously on Tax Credits to a potential £100 fine for failing to finalize legacy claims. The warning highlights critical administrative friction in the DWP's 'managed migration' process as legacy benefits are phased out.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the disbursement schedule for Universal Credit, PIP, and State Pensions for March 2026. These payments represent a critical liquidity injection for millions of UK households as the current fiscal year draws to a close.