The move to Universal Credit. ‘Managed migration’. 

Universal Credit is replacing six tested benefits Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits. These are ‘legacy benefits’. 

What is ‘migration’ to Universal Credit? 

Migration means that you will be told by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) that you have to move to Universal Credit from one of the existing legacy benefits.  This is called ‘managed migration’. As part of the managed migration process, the DWP is writing to people to invite them to claim Universal Credit. This letter is called a ‘migration notice’. These notices will be issued in stages depending on what type of legacy benefit you receive. 

The DWP will start to issue migration notices from 09 April 2024. 

I have received a migration notice. What should I do? 

If you have received a migration notice do not ignore it. You must claim Universal Credit because within 3 months from the date of the letter.  

Your legacy benefits will be stopped after this date. If you claim Universal Credit before the deadline the DWP may pay you extra if you are worse off after the move. This is called ‘transitional protection’. This means if you get less Universal Credit than under your old benefits you will get an extra amount to make up the difference. If you do not apply by the deadline you may lose any transitional protection. 

What if I can’t claim by the migration deadline?

If the deadline hasn’t passed yet you can ask the DWP to extend it. You will need to contact the DWP directly to request this. 

How do I make a claim for Universal Credit?

If you have received a migration notice you must apply for Universal Credit online  within 3 months. Most people make their Universal Credit claim online. It can take an hour or more to apply if you’re doing it online. Having the right documents and information to apply  will make the application quicker.

If you are unable to apply online the help to claim service can help you to apply. 

You can also contact the Universal Credit helpline:

Universal Credit helpline

Telephone: 0800 328 5644

Welsh language: 0800 328 1744

Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet

Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

What happens next? 

If your claim is made online the DWP will contact you when further information is needed. You will need an appointment with your local Job Centre if they need more information or cannot verify your identity online. 

Most people receive their first Universal Credit payment about 5 weeks after their claim has been made. The day of your payment will depend on when you applied. 

If you don’t have enough money to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment. 

Advanced payments are a loan and deductions are made from your monthly Universal Credit payment which will reduce your award until it is paid back. 

The Council may be able to provide additional financial support through the Household Support Fund and applications for support can be made online. This may be able to help you to not take an advanced payment and support your finances during the transition to claiming Universal Credit. 

Paying my rent and Council Tax

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit this will end once a claim for Universal Credit is made. Housing Costs will be paid through your Universal Credit award. If you are a Council tenant in receipt of Housing Benefit payments will no longer be made directly to your rent account. Universal Credit is paid to you directly. This means an arrangement to pay your rent will need to be set up.  You can request your Housing Costs to be paid direct to the Council if you have arrears or difficulty managing your finances and you should speak to your local Jobcentre to request this. 

If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax please contact us directly to discuss your options.

Further support and advice regarding money, debt and the cost of living are available here.

Further information 

The move to Universal Credit 

Support and independent advice

Citizens Advice