Universal Credit after a Migration Notice letter: rules for people of State Pension age

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated its guidance on 9 November 2026 for people of State Pension age who received a Migration Notice letter. It covers the move from older benefits to Universal Credit. The guidance applies in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has a separate page.

Deadline and benefits that are ending

To keep receiving support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. Different rules apply to couples where one partner is under State Pension age, and to people under State Pension age. They have separate guidance.

Tax credits, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support have already ended and been replaced by Universal Credit. Housing Benefit is also ending, with exceptions. People in supported or temporary accommodation continue to receive it from their local council. In that case they do not get the extra housing amount within Universal Credit.

Housing Benefit ends 2 weeks after the deadline date. Within 3 months you may be able to reclaim it if it was stopped and you have not claimed Universal Credit, if you claimed Universal Credit but were not entitled to it, or if you stop receiving Universal Credit. Backdating covers a maximum of 3 months.

Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit

You can choose to claim Pension Credit instead. If your claim is accepted, you cannot then apply for Universal Credit and you will not get transitional protection. You may receive less support. The DWP points to its Pension Credit calculator.

What you will get

According to the DWP, most people receive the same amount as before, or more. If your tax credits entitlement was higher than what you get on Universal Credit, a top-up covers the difference. It is paid automatically to those who claimed by the deadline date. The benefit cap does not apply if you are of State Pension age, still working and received a Migration Notice letter.

Universal Credit is calculated monthly (assessment periods), not yearly as tax credits were. It depends on earnings and other income, including pensions, which are deducted from Universal Credit. If you deferred your State Pension, it is not treated as income for 12 assessment periods. After that, the pension you are entitled to counts as income even if you have not taken it. While on Universal Credit you cannot build up extra State Pension.

People who received tax credits and have more than £16,000 in money, savings and investments will not be eligible for Universal Credit if they still have more than that after 12 assessment periods.

Payments and responsibilities

Universal Credit is usually paid monthly into a bank account. The first payment usually takes around 5 weeks. During that time you can apply for an advance, which you repay in instalments. You manage your claim online, pay your own rent and report changes, such as income, health, bank details or immigration status. Deliberately giving wrong information can lead to court action or a penalty.

If you are working, for the first 12 assessment periods you do not have to look for more work or attend work-related meetings at the jobcentre. Self-employed people must report earnings every month. After that a minimum earnings threshold (MET) applies. If your earnings fall below it for 3 months in a row, your claim will be closed.

What this means for you

The guidance affects people of State Pension age living in the UK who got a Migration Notice letter. Before the deadline, it is worth checking whether Universal Credit or Pension Credit suits you better. A change in immigration status is among the changes you must report. The Migration Notice helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm, on 0800 169 0328.