DWP Migration Notice: how to move to Universal Credit before your deadline

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published guidance for people who receive a letter known as a Migration Notice. It says these people must move to Universal Credit because one or more of their benefits has ended or will end soon. The guidance applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has separate guidance on the nidirect website.

Which benefits are ending

According to DWP, tax credits, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support have already ended and been replaced by Universal Credit. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit are also ending soon. The exception is Housing Benefit for people in supported or temporary accommodation. Their local council keeps paying it even if they do not claim Universal Credit, but their other benefits will end. Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), stay the same.

The deadline and what happens if you miss it

You must claim by the deadline date in your letter. If you cannot, contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline. You may get more time if you have a good reason, but you must ask before the deadline.

Your benefits will end even if you decide not to claim. You can claim Universal Credit later, but the normal rules will apply and you will not get transitional protection. Claiming before you receive the letter also means no transitional protection.

How much you could get

DWP says most people will get the same amount as before, or more, on Universal Credit. If your previous benefits were worth more, a top-up payment is available. You do not need to apply for it. It is paid automatically if you claim by the deadline. The amount depends on things such as earnings, and Universal Credit is calculated monthly, unlike tax credits, which were calculated yearly. People who previously got tax credits and have more than £16,000 in savings may lose entitlement to Universal Credit if they still have more than £16,000 after 12 monthly assessment periods.

How to claim

You claim online, and in Wales you can also claim in Welsh. You need to create an account and complete the claim within 28 days, or you must start again. You will need your bank account details, an email address, access to a phone and documents to prove your identity, such as a driving licence, passport or payslip. If you cannot apply online, you can call the helpline on 0800 169 0328 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, free to call). Couples who live together must make a joint claim.

After you claim, your current benefit continues for 2 more weeks. The first Universal Credit payment usually takes around 5 weeks. During that time you can ask for an advance, which you repay from later payments. Citizens Advice offers free help with your claim (Help to Claim).

What this means for you

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales and have received a Migration Notice letter, check the deadline in the letter. Once you get Universal Credit, you may also be able to get help with NHS prescriptions, NHS dental treatment and eye tests. These rules apply to everyone covered by the process. DWP does not set out separate rules here for people of a particular nationality.