Managed migration to Universal Credit

From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to some people who receive benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead.

This letter is called a Migration Notice and it explains what you need to do and when. It also provides information on the help available to continue receiving support from the government.

It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter.

Once you have received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit to continue to get financial support.

You will not be moved automatically so you must apply when you receive your letter. If you receive a Migration Notice, you must move to Universal Credit within 3 months to continue getting financial support. Your benefits will stop if you do not apply for Universal Credit by the deadline.

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

• Jobseekers Allowance (income-based JSA)
• Employment and Support Allowance (income-related ESA)
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit

If you are in receipt of any of the above benefits, they will end as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit and you will not be able to go back to your existing benefit once you have claimed.

You will continue to get any other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer’s Allowance.

If you want some help with your Universal Credit application or you’re concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment, please visit the government webpage for support and independent advice.

Find out when you may be asked to move to Universal Credit.