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Got a letter about moving to Universal Credit? 

Act now so you don't lose your benefits

Rosie Hamilton
Rosie Hamilton | Edited by Hannah McEwen
Updated 17 September 2024

If you're on certain low-income benefits, you'll soon be moved onto Universal Credit. The move isn’t automatic – once you get a letter, you'll have to take action within the time set out otherwise you could lose your income-related benefits. This guide covers how it all works and how to prepare.

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Don't ignore crucial letter about moving to Universal Credit

Many older-style benefits, including Tax Credits, Housing Benefit and Income Support, are gradually being phased out. And those who currently get them are being asked to move over to newer Universal Credit (UC) – we go into detail about how the benefit works in our full Universal Credit guide.

This process is officially called 'managed migration' and started last year for some. So if you've already had a letter and moved across to UC, there's no need to do anything else. 

But if you're still on certain older benefits, you'll soon get a letter from the Government formally inviting you to move from your existing benefit – or combination of benefits – onto UC. This is called a 'migration notice'.

The move to Universal Credit doesn't happen automatically. You must actively claim UC within the three-month deadline set out in your letter. If you don't make a claim in time, your benefits will stop. 

The letter will tell you how to make a claim for UC to ensure you keep getting the financial support you're entitled to. 

Plus, making your claim within the deadline means you'll be entitled to extra protection. If it looks likely you'd get less on UC than you do on your current benefits, you'll receive an extra payment to make up the difference. This is known as 'transitional protection'.

If you don't make a claim in time, as well as your current benefits stopping, you'll no longer be entitled to the extra 'transitional protection' if you need to claim UC in future.

Read more about what to do when you get your letter and how transitional protection works.

Which benefits are ending?

If you're currently claiming one (or a combination of) the following benefits (also known as legacy benefits), you should expect to be contacted:

  • Child Tax Credit 
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

The process of moving people over started last March, and will continue through 2024 in phases – you can see detailed timings below.

  • When will this happen?

    When you're likely to get your migration notice

    Your current benefit When you should have got /will get your letter
    Tax credits only, if you're below state pension age From March 2023
    Tax credits with Housing Benefit From April 2024
    Income Support From April 2024
    Income Support with Tax Credits From April 2024
    Income Support with Housing Benefit From April 2024
    Income Support with Housing Benefit and Tax Credits From April 2024
    Housing Benefit only From June 2024
    Income-related Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits From July 2024
    Tax Credits (if you're of State Pension age and are asked to move to Pension Credit) From July 2024
    Tax Credits (if you're of State Pension age and are asked to move to Universal Credit) From September 2024
    Income-based Jobseekers Allowance From September 2024
    Employment and Support Allowance only From autumn 2024 (TBC)
    Employment and Support Allowance with Housing Benefit From autumn 2024 (TBC)

Over state pension age? It works a bit differently

UC is specifically designed for those of 'working age' – so if you've hit state pension age you'll be given one of two options depending on your personal circumstances:

  • Move onto Pension Credit – Pension Credit is a benefit aimed at people over state pension age, offering a top-up to their income. If you currently claim just Child Tax Credit and you (and your partner, if you have one) are both over state pension age, this is the route you will most likely have to take. 

    If you're already getting Pension Credit your Tax Credits will stop and the amount you get paid in Pension Credit will change.

  • Move onto UC – If you're part of a 'mixed-aged couple' where one of you is under state pension age, and one is over OR you're currently getting Working Tax Credit (with or without Child Tax Credit) you will likely be asked to claim UC. 

You'll be told which benefit you need to claim in your migration notice. It's important you follow the instructions you're given in the letter, as you'll only get transitional protection (if you need it) if you follow the route DWP has chosen for you. 

Other need-to-knows about moving to UC

  • You can choose to move early – but be careful

    Because it's a bit different from the benefits it's replacing, some people can end up better off on UC than with their current combination of benefits. If you're one of these people you might decide you'd like to make a UC claim before you get your migration notice. 

    We cover who's likely to benefit from moving early, and who might lose out in Should I switch from Tax Credits to Universal Credit?. 

    The Government predicts up to 1.4 million people will be better off switching straight away – including those with higher childcare costs. 

    However, roughly 300,000 will see no change in their overall amount, and up to 900,000 will be eligible for less on UC than on their current mix of benefits, so should wait to get a migration notice before making a UC claim in order to get transitional protection.

    If you apply for UC while claiming a legacy benefit, you CAN'T switch back – so if you end up getting less (or nothing), you're stuck with it. However, if you wait to get your official migration notice you'll get 'transitional protection', which tops up your benefit payment so you don't lose out. 

    So take your time to get it right. As it's such a big decision, always get expert advice before making the switch.

  • If you have a change of circumstance you might have to move early

    Because it's no longer possible for most people to apply for these older-style benefits, if you have a change in circumstance that means your claim has to be reassessed (so you're getting the right amount of money), you may be moved onto UC early. 

    What counts as a change in circumstance?

    There are a range of changes that can mean you need to claim UC early. The most common 'changes in circumstance' include:

    • Moving in with a new partner 
    • Separating from a partner
    • Moving to a new area
    • Stopping being a carer

    If you have to move onto UC due to a change in circumstance you WILL NOT get transitional protection. 

     

  • Some people won't be invited to migrate yet

    There are some groups of people who won't be included in the managed migration process just yet, because their cases are more complicated.

    If you fall into one of the following groups and receive a migration notice, get in touch with DWP through the managed migration helpline as soon as possible:

    • You have a child in non-advanced education who is aged 19. 
    • You're aged 16 or 17 years old. 
    • You claim ESA or JSA with a nil award. 
    • You have a visual impairment.
    • You have an appointee. 

  • A very small group won't be migrated at all

    Some people are excluded from managed migration. If you fall into one of these groups, you won't be invited to move onto UC, and your benefit payment will automatically stop when everyone else on the benefit you claim has moved over:

    • You're in prison (or your partner is currently in prison)
    • You're in receipt of a Tax Credits nil award and get no other benefits
    • You get a Tax Credit supplement
    • You only claim Housing Benefit and live in specified or temporary accommodation

Got a letter? Follow our claiming checklist

Step 1: Make sure you're clear on what the letter is telling you

If you're on one of the benefits being replaced (and haven't already got a letter), you'll soon be getting a one in the post with instructions for how to move onto UC. 

The letter will come from The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and have the following features: 

  • A headline to let you know this is a 'Universal Credit Migration Notice'.
  • The benefits you currently claim that will be replaced by Universal Credit.
  • A deadline for applying for Universal Credit – this will be three months from when the letter was sent.
  • An address for the website you'll need to use to make your claim.
  • The migration notice helpline.
  • A statement at the bottom which says: 'This is a migration notice issued under regulation 44 of the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014.' 
You'll also get a reminder in the post (and by SMS text) if you haven't applied within 10 weeks of receiving the letter. 

Scam warning! Be wary of any unusual requests

Your migration notice won't ask you to pay anything or give any of your card details. If your get anything that asks for this, DON'T respond and report it to the DWP. 

If something doesn't look right with your letter, or you're not sure, you can call the DWP on 0800 169 0328 or get in touch with the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service. 

Step 2: Check you're getting what you're entitled to

If you'll end up getting less under UC than your current benefits, you could be entitled to 'transitional protection'.

That means the DWP will look at what you currently get and work out what the equivalent would be on UC. If the amount of UC you're likely to get is lower than your current benefits amount, you'll get an extra payment to make up the difference. 

If you're not currently claiming everything you're eligible for, it won't be included in the calculation of your transitional protection, meaning you might get less than you should when you move to UC. Transitional protection can be quite complex, so if this applies to you, we've more below on understanding transitional protection. 

Important: Your migration notice letter won't tell you how much you'll get in UC, you'll only know the exact amounts when you apply. However you can get an idea of how much you could get by using our free benefits calculator (powered by EntitledTo) – it's a good idea speak to a benefits advisor if you need more support.

Step 3: Work out the best time to claim

As a general rule, it's best to claim as soon as possible after receiving a benefit payment. This means the time between your last payment on your current benefits, and your first UC payment is as short as possible.

Any big life events coming up? If you know you're likely to have a big life change in the near future (such as moving to a new area, or combining your household with a partner), it's a good idea to talk to a benefits advisor to get more support.

They'll help you weigh up your best options, as a change in circumstance can affect how much transitional protection you get, how long it lasts and whether you'll be better off (or required to) claim UC earlier. 

Step 4: Make your claim

Follow the instructions in your migration notice to start your Universal Credit claim. In the letter will be details of the website you'll need to visit.

If you're unable to access the internet to make your claim call the Managed Migration helpline on 0800 169 0328, or use the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service. 

If you're unable to apply for UC by the deadline set on your migration notice letter, you may be able to ask for a short extension, but this will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Usually, you'll need to have a good reason for being unable to apply and you'll need to request the extension before the deadline date on your letter – or your current benefits may be stopped. 

What if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the application deadline date given on your letter and then later make a claim for UC you'll lose the transitional protection element. 

DWP guidance suggests the following would be considered 'good reasons' for requiring an extension: 

  • You need more time to get documentation or information together to make the claim
  • You need more time to get support with the claim
  • You have planned hospital treatment which means you can't make your claim by the date.

  • I live with my partner, do we both have to apply?

    If you're in a relationship and live with your partner, you'll get your UC paid together. 

    Once you receive your migration notice, both of you will need to create your own UC accounts that you'll then link together. The first person to create their account will receive a 'partner code', which will be displayed on screen.

    Your partner will then need to use this code when they create their UC online account. Once you’ve created your accounts and joined them together, you can start your UC claim. 

    Important: You have to choose a single bank account for your UC to be paid into. 

    If you're worried that money going into an account you share with your partner may be misused, talk to Citizens Advice before applying. It will be able to advise on whether you may be able to get UC via an alternative payment arrangement.

    For more on this, read Martin's financial abuse blog.

     

Made your claim? What happens next

You have to make a UC claim within three months from getting the letter. Instructions for how to apply and your deadline for submitting your claim will be displayed clearly on the letter. 

Once you make the claim, it can take five weeks to get your first UC payment. Depending on which benefits you currently claim, this can mean a gap of between three and five weeks between your last benefit payment and your first UC payment.

This can be a difficult wait, so it's important to plan ahead before you make your claim. You can ask for an advance, but this will be paid back through a reduction of your UC for the next 24 months, so it can be worth checking if you're eligible for a grant from a local charity first. 

You'll get paid your UC on the same day each month. So, if your first payment comes on the 3rd, you'll get it on the 3rd every month.

  • I don't have a bank account, how will I be paid?

    Claiming UC is easier if you have a bank, building society or credit union account. If you're finding it difficult to open an account you could try finding basic bank account.

    However, if you're unable to open an account, you can call the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline on: 0800 169 0328 to arrange a different way of getting paid. 

  • My housing costs are currently paid directly to my landlord, what happens now?

    When you claim UC, any amount you get towards your housing will be paid as part of your monthly award, rather than being paid directly to your landlord. 

    If this is different to your current arrangement, you’ll need to discuss the change of payment arrangements with them.

Understanding transitional protection

When assessing you for UC, the DWP will compare the amount you get from your current benefits with the amount it expects you to get under UC. If the amount of UC you're likely to get is lower than your total current benefits amount, you'll receive a transitional protection payment (known as 'transitional element') to make up the difference.

Transitional protection lasts until the amount you get in UC is more than the amount you used to get on your old benefits – for example, because UC amounts are increased in line with inflation each year, or you become eligible for more support. The transitional protection element can be lost completely if you have a significant life change that causes your eligibility to be reassessed – for example, you move in with a partner.

You can get an estimate of how much transitional protection you might get by using our benefits calculator (powered by EntitledTo). 

Have savings, are deferring your state pension or studying full time?

While transitional protection often comes in the form of a top-up payment, there are some circumstances when the eligibility criteria are changed instead: 

  1. If you have more than £16,000 in savings when you migrate you'll only remain eligible for UC for 12 months unless your savings drop below this amount. This is called 'Transitional capital disregard'.
  2. If you have income from deferring your state pension this won't be taken into account for the first 12 months of your UC claim. This is called 'state pension deferral protection'.
  3. If you're currently a full time student, you won't be eligible for UC until you finish your current course. At which point you'll get assessed for UC based on income (so, if you start a new course you will not qualify for UC anymore.)

  • You WON'T get transitional protection if...

    • You move onto UC because you had a change of circumstances.

    • You choose to move to UC BEFORE you get your migration notice. Some people may be better off moving to UC earlier, see Should I switch to UC? for more information.

    • You missed your managed migration deadline.

    • The DWP estimates you'll get more money on UC than on your current benefits (so you don't need a top-up). 

    You can only get transitional protection if you've been sent a managed migration letter, and apply for UC by the deadline you're given. 

Managing your Universal Credit

One of the key differences between UC and older benefits such as tax credits, is that you'll have an online journal that you will need to access each month. 

Here are some general tips to help you get into the swing of managing your claim: 

  • Save DWP's phone number. This will help make sure you don't miss any important calls from DWP (which could get you a sanction), and also help you avoid scam calls. 
  • Regularly compare your bank statements with your UC journal. This will help you budget for the month ahead, and see if there are any errors that need fixing – especially if you work different hours each month. For a step-by-step on how to do this, see the full Working on UC? guide. 
  • Download your UC statements each month. If you do spot something that looks wrong (or you're unsure), having copies of your statements will make it easier to discuss the mistake with an independent advisor or DWP later. 
It can be difficult to know what's right particularly if your income goes up and down each month (meaning the amount you get in UC changes each month too). We go into more detail about how to spot issues in our Working on UC? guide. 

 

If you need more support

The Government runs a free guidance and information service called MoneyHelper, which offers the option to chat (online or by phone) with an adviser – make use of it.

You can get free one-on-one benefits help from Citizens Advice or independent advice centres. 

For help specifically about managed migration, the Government has set up a free 'Move to UC' helpline which you can call on 0800 169 0328. 

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