Universal Credit Migration
The UK government is currently in the process of transitioning benefit recipients to Universal Credit (UC), a system designed to consolidate six types of ‘legacy benefits’ into one. The benefits being replaced include:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
- Income Support
If you are of working age and receiving any of these benefits, you will need to switch to Universal Credit by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The schedule for migration will depend on the specific benefits you currently receive and their combinations, according to the timeline below.
| Migration Timescale | Details |
|---|---|
| April 2024 to June 2024 | Any Claimant receiving Income Support |
| April 2024 to June 2024 | Any Claimant who receives both Housing Benefit and Tax Credits only |
| June 2024 to August 2024 | Any Claimant receiving Housing Benefit only |
| July 2024 to September 2024 | Any Claimant receiving ESA (income related) and Child Tax Credit only, or both of these and Housing Benefit |
| August 2024 to September 2024 | Any Claimants who are Pension Age receiving Tax Credits (Including Mixed Age Couples) |
| September 2024 | Any Claimant receiving Job Seekers Allowance, and either/both of Housing Benefit and Child Tax Credit only |
| September 2024 to December 2025 | Any Claimant receiving ESA (income related), whether on its own or alongside Housing Benefit |
What does this mean for you?
Upon receiving your migration notice, you’ll need to apply for Universal Credit, which could affect the timing and method of your benefits payments, including your rent. To minimize the risk of rent arrears, you can arrange for your UC payments to be made directly to Pine Court Housing.
Important steps after receiving a Migration Notice
Do not take any action until you receive your official migration notice, which will inform you of your specific migration date. Once you’ve received an official letter notice, you must apply for Universal Credit, as your current benefits will not automatically transfer.
• Deadline: You have three months from the date of your migration notice to apply for Universal Credit. If you fail to apply within this period, your existing benefits will end automatically.
• Advice: It’s crucial to choose the best time within this three-month window to apply, ensuring you maximise your income. If Universal Credit proves more beneficial sooner, consider applying earlier; otherwise, wait for your official notice from the government/DWP.
Support available
For guidance on making the transition without losing benefits you’re entitled to, please contact us or visit our cost-of-living support page. For assistance with applying for Universal Credit, the Citizens Advice Bureau offers free help through their Help to Claim service, available at 0800 144 8 444, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. They can support you from the initial application through to your first full payment.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this change necessary?
The government aims to move all working-age benefit recipients onto Universal Credit through what is called ‘managed migration’. Originally scheduled for 2024, this shift was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Find our more
Who will be affected?
Individuals of working age currently receiving Tax Credits, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, and Housing Benefit will be impacted by this change.
Find out more
What if I’m not currently receiving any benefits?
If you are not claiming any benefits, this change will not affect you. However, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, you might be eligible for Universal Credit and should consider getting a benefit check.
Find out more
How will pensioners be affected?
Mixed-age couples, where one partner is of pension age and the other is not, might need to claim Universal Credit. If you are nearing retirement and receive a notification, you may be able to remain on your current benefit programme. For more detailed advice, please get in touch with us.
Find out moreThis content was last updated on 14/01/2025