The rollout of the Tories' hated Universal Credit benefits shake-up has been delayed yet again - until 2024.
The system was originally supposed to be complete, with all existing and new claimants using it by 2017.
But the Department for Work and Pensions said the number of people moving onto the new system was "lower than forecast" and almost a million more people than expected remain on the old system.
Claimants are usually only moved onto Universal Credit when there is a change in their circumstances - which could be a change in their employment status, a house move or a change in the benefits to which they are entitled.
DWP said fewer people than expected had seen a change in circumstances.
UC has long been criticised for fuelling a rise in food bank use as well as for numerous delays.
The DWP said the delay will cost an extra £500 million because there will be an additional 900,000 claimants receiving higher payments when they are moved to UC.
Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said: “Universal Credit is the biggest change to the welfare system in a generation, bringing together six overlapping benefits into one monthly payment and offering support to some of the most vulnerable people in society."
“It is right that we revisit our forecasts and plan, and re-plan accordingly - ensuring that the process is working well for people on benefits.
“Claimants will not lose money due to this forecasting change.”
