Universal Credit migration

The Department for Work and Pensions are moving the following working-age benefit claimants to Universal Credit:

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• Housing Benefit

Migration dates

You will receive a Migration Notice letter from the Department for Work and Pensions telling you that your current claim will stop, and that you must claim Universal Credit if you need continued support.

What you need to do

You will have three months to claim Universal Credit from the date of your Migration Notice letter.

The letter may say claim Universal Credit straight away. We advise to delay any claim for Universal Credit until after your current benefit or tax credit payment. The reason for this is how Universal Credit is calculated and you may have a long delay in getting Universal Credit paid by claiming straight away.

It may be beneficial to take advice before making a claim. You should not ignore the Migration Notice.

For full guidance on migration and how this may impact you, visit the Move to Universal Credit webpage on GOV.UK.

How to make a claim for Universal Credit

Universal Credit must be claimed online. You must have an email address.

Find how to apply on the Universal Credit webpage

For assistance in making a Universal Credit application, visit the Citizens Advice website.

Transitional protection

There is transitional protection for those being migrated to Universal Credit, meaning you should not be worse off following the migration. You can only get this protection if you have received a Migration Notice letter from the Department for Work and Pensions and claim by the deadline date on your letter.

The transitional protection amount will top up Universal Credit so that it matches previous tax credit income.

Further support

If you are unsure of what to do or need a better off calculation, you should seek advice as soon as you can. Do not delay as this may result in missing out on maximising your income.

It's important that you do not miss out. This will not just protect your income but also protect your access to other support such as health benefits, prescriptions, free school meals and cost of living payments.

You can contact the Universal Credit helpline for free guidance on 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

If you need further assistance, contact the Welfare Support Team by emailing welfare.rightsreferrals@stockton.gov.uk or calling 01642 526141, Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm and Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.