Universal Credit migration
Since September of last year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has started managed migration to Universal Credit. The DWP will be writing to people whose tax credits or benefits are ending.
You may receive a Migration Notice and if you do, you must claim Universal Credit by the date on the letter. If you don't apply by the deadline, the DWP will be able to stop your existing claim.
The letter will tell you the deadline date you have to claim Universal Credit. If you receive a leaflet without a migration letter, you do not have to claim Universal Credit straightaway and you should seek further advice from the Help to Claim team at Citizens Advice.
These are the six benefits and tax credits, referred to as legacy benefits, that are ending for people of working age. If you haven't already, you'll receive a letter by the following dates:
- Income Support - From 1 April 2024
- Tax credits and Housing Benefit - From 1 April 2024
- Housing Benefit only - From 1 June 2024
- Employment Support Allowance and Child Tax Credit - From 1 July 2024
- Pension Aged Tax Credit, including mixed aged couples - From 1 August 2024
- Jobseekers Allowance - From 1 September 2024
- Employment and Support Allowance - From 2025
More information about your move to Universal Credit can be found on the Government's website: Move to Universal Credit
Help to claim
We advise that if you receive a Migration Notice that you call the Help to Claim team at Citizens Advice as soon as you can for help to make the claim and to find out when would be the best date to claim. Remember that you mustn't miss the deadline to claim Universal Credit.
You can contact an advisor for free by calling 0800 144 8 444 between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Nottingham City Council Housing Services tenants who have already claimed Universal Credit following a migration notice will be contacted and offered full advice and support through to your first correct Universal Credit payment by the Universal Credit Team.
Our Tenancy Sustainment Team can also offer advice to tenants who have received a Migration Notice but have not yet made a Universal Credit claim.
