Universal Credit 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. 

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

For more information – Managed migration to Universal Credit | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (lbbd.gov.uk)