Universal credit - managed migration

Claire reports how people are being asked to move onto Universal Credit through a process called managed migration.

Universal Credit is gradually replacing six existing benefits and tax credits, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now moving people from these old benefits to Universal Credit through a process called "managed migration."

What is managed migration?

Managed migration is the process by which the DWP is moving people from the following benefits to Universal Credit:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit

How does managed migration work?

If you're receiving any of the above benefits, you'll receive a letter called a "Migration Notice" telling you that you need to move to Universal Credit. This letter will include:

• A deadline for making your Universal Credit claim
• Information about what you need to do
• Details about transitional protection (if applicable)
• Contact information for help and support

What you need to do:

When you receive your Migration Notice:

1. Don't ignore it: You must make a Universal Credit claim by the deadline
2. Get help: Contact Citizens Advice Portsmouth for support with your claim
3. Gather information: Collect all the documents you'll need
4. Make your claim: Apply online or with help from an adviser

What happens to your old benefits?

Your old benefits will stop when you make your Universal Credit claim. Universal Credit will then replace all the benefits you were receiving, but there are important differences:

• Universal Credit is paid monthly instead of weekly or fortnightly
• You'll need to manage your claim online
• The amount you receive may be different
• You may be entitled to transitional protection

Transitional protection:

If you're moved through managed migration, you may be entitled to transitional protection, which means:

• Your Universal Credit payment won't be less than what you were getting before
• This protection lasts for a certain period
• It may be reduced if your circumstances change

What you'll need for your claim:

To make your Universal Credit claim, you'll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Bank account details
• Details of your housing costs
• Information about your income and savings
• Details of any children in your household
• Information about your health conditions (if applicable)

Common challenges:

Many people find the move to Universal Credit challenging because:

• The online system can be difficult to navigate
• There's a five-week wait for your first payment
• Monthly payments can be harder to budget for
• The system is different from the old benefits

How Citizens Advice Portsmouth can help:

We can help you with:

• Understanding your Migration Notice
• Making your Universal Credit claim
• Gathering the information you need
• Managing your claim online
• Understanding your payments
• Dealing with any problems that arise

Important deadlines:

It's crucial to make your Universal Credit claim by the deadline in your Migration Notice. If you miss the deadline:

• Your old benefits will stop
• You may not be entitled to transitional protection
• You may have to wait longer for your first payment
• You could lose money

Don't delay:

If you receive a Migration Notice, don't wait to get help. Contact Citizens Advice Portsmouth as soon as possible so we can support you through the process and ensure you don't lose any money.

Other ways to move to Universal Credit:

You might also move to Universal Credit if:

• You have a change in circumstances
• You make a new claim for benefits
• You choose to move voluntarily

Remember, you don't have to go through this process alone. Our advisers are here to help you every step of the way.