What is Universal Credit and why might you need to move?
Universal Credit is a benefit designed to support people on a low income or those who are out of work. Instead of receiving several different benefits, you get a single monthly payment to help with your living costs. The aim is to make the system simpler and easier to manage, both for claimants and for the government.
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits, often called ‘legacy benefits’. These are:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
If you’re currently receiving any of these benefits, you may be affected by the move to Universal Credit. The government is gradually phasing out legacy benefits, so eventually everyone who receives them will need to switch to Universal Credit.
However, not everyone has to move right away. For many people, the change will only happen when they experience a significant change in their circumstances, such as a change in employment, family situation, or where they live. Others will be contacted directly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and told they must move by a certain date. This is known as a "migration notice", and it explains when and how you need to make a claim for Universal Credit.
The legal basis for this change is set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012, which introduced Universal Credit and outlined how it would replace existing benefits. If you want to understand more about the rules and process, you can read the official guidance in the Act.
If you’re unsure what Universal Credit covers or how much you might get, visit Universal Credit: What you’ll get – GOV.UK for a full breakdown of what’s included and how it works.
To find out more about the overall process and whether you need to move, see our page on Universal Credit migration. This will help you understand your next steps and what to expect if you’re asked to switch.
How to check if you should move to Universal Credit
Deciding whether you need to move to Universal Credit depends on several important factors, including the benefits you currently receive, your personal circumstances, and government rules about when people must switch. It’s essential to check your situation carefully before making any decisions, as moving at the wrong time could affect your payments and entitlements.
What determines if you need to move?
Most people who receive older benefits – such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit – will eventually need to move to Universal Credit. The government is gradually phasing out these benefits and replacing them with Universal Credit.
The main factors that determine if you need to move are:
Your current benefits: If you get one or more of the above benefits, you will be affected by the change.
Your personal circumstances: Changes in your life, such as moving in with a partner, separating, starting or stopping work, or moving home, can trigger a move to Universal Credit.
Government rules and notices: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out official letters, known as migration notices, telling people when they must switch.
How to find out if you have to move
The most reliable way to know if you need to move is to check whether you have received a migration notice from the DWP. This is an official letter that tells you your current benefits will be ending and you must claim Universal Credit by a specific date. If you receive this letter, you must follow the instructions and claim Universal Credit to continue getting financial support. You can find more detailed guidance in the Universal Credit: for claimants who receive a Migration Notice letter.
If you have received a migration notice and want to know what steps to take, see our page on moving to Universal Credit if you’ve got a migration notice.
If you haven’t received a migration notice, you don’t have to move yet unless your circumstances change. However, you can choose to move voluntarily if you think Universal Credit will be better for you. It’s important to compare what you currently receive with what you would get on Universal Credit, as you may not be able to go back to your old benefits once you switch.
Special rules for Housing Benefit and other support
If you receive Housing Benefit, the rules for moving to Universal Credit can be different, especially if you live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing. For more details, see Moving from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit – GOV.UK.
Moving to Universal Credit can also affect your council tax support and payments, so it’s important to check how your local council will handle your claim after you switch.
Where to get official information and advice
Always rely on official letters from the DWP and government guidance to understand your obligations. If you’re unsure whether you need to move or want to know how a change in your circumstances could affect your benefits, seek advice before making any decisions. Checking your personal situation carefully will help you avoid missing deadlines or losing out on support.
If you’re still unsure, you can find further details in the resources linked above, or contact your local benefits office for personalised advice. Remember, the rules can be complex, and getting the right information is key to managing your benefits during the transition to Universal Credit.
What happens when you move to Universal Credit
When you move to Universal Credit, the process involves several important steps. Understanding what to expect can help you manage the transition smoothly and avoid any disruption to your income.
The migration process
If you’re asked to move to Universal Credit, you’ll usually receive a letter called a ‘migration notice’ from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This letter will tell you when and how to apply. It’s important to follow the instructions and apply by the deadline to make sure your benefits continue without interruption.
Once you’ve submitted your application, it typically takes around five weeks to receive your first Universal Credit payment. This period is known as the ‘assessment period’. If you’re worried about managing during this time, you may be able to request an advance payment to help cover your costs while you wait.
For more details about the timing and process, you can check the Universal Credit payment schedule.
How Universal Credit is paid
Universal Credit is different from many older benefits because it’s paid monthly, directly into your bank account. This means you’ll need to budget for the whole month, rather than receiving payments weekly or fortnightly as you might have done before. To understand more about how Universal Credit is paid, including how payment dates are set and what to expect in your first month, visit our dedicated page.
If you’re used to more frequent payments, switching to a monthly schedule can take some adjustment. Planning your budget carefully is essential to make sure your money lasts until your next payment.
Managing your budget with monthly payments
Because Universal Credit is paid once a month, it’s important to review your regular expenses and plan ahead. Make a list of all your essential costs – like rent, bills, and food – to help you manage your money across the month. If you need extra support, you can speak to your work coach or seek budgeting advice.
Support while you’re on Universal Credit
Universal Credit provides a range of support to help you manage your claim and improve your circumstances. You’ll have access to a work coach who can offer guidance on finding work, training, or managing your finances. There may also be additional help available if you have children, a disability, or other specific needs.
To learn more about the support available and what to expect while you’re on Universal Credit, visit our detailed guide.
Reporting changes in your circumstances
It’s vital to keep your Universal Credit claim up to date. You must report any changes in your circumstances – such as changes to your job, income, household, or housing situation – as soon as possible. Not reporting changes can affect the amount you receive and may lead to overpayments or penalties.
Find out more about what you need to report and how to do it by reading our guide to changes and updates on Universal Credit.
Moving to Universal Credit is a significant change, but understanding the process and what’s expected of you can make it easier. Make sure to use the support available, plan your budget, and keep your information up to date to get the most from your benefits.
What to do if you are asked to move to Universal Credit
When you receive a notice telling you to move to Universal Credit, it’s important to take action promptly to avoid any gaps in your payments. Here’s what you should do:
1. Read your migration notice carefully
Your migration notice will explain that you are required to move from your current benefits to Universal Credit. This letter will include important details such as:
The exact date by which you need to make your claim (your deadline)
Which benefits are ending and when your last payment will be
What steps you need to take next
Make sure you understand these details. Missing your deadline could mean your existing benefits stop before your Universal Credit claim is set up, which may lead to a break in your income.
2. Start your Universal Credit claim
If your notice instructs you to move, you will need to apply for Universal Credit before the deadline stated. You can find step-by-step guidance on how to do this in our section on moving to Universal Credit if you’ve got a migration notice.
For extra help with the process, you can also refer to the Universal Credit application process from Turn2us, which provides a simple guide to making your claim online.
3. Get support if you need it
If you’re unsure about any part of the process or have questions about your migration notice, don’t hesitate to seek help. You can:
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus
Speak to a welfare adviser or support organisation
Ask for clarification about your deadlines or what information you need to provide
Support is available to help you understand your rights and make the transition as smooth as possible.
4. Keep all letters and records
During the transition, it’s important to keep copies of your migration notice, any correspondence with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and records of your Universal Credit application. This documentation can be helpful if there are any issues or if you need to prove what steps you’ve taken.
5. Know that help is available
Moving to Universal Credit can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. There is guidance and support at every stage to help you manage the change and ensure you continue to receive the financial assistance you’re entitled to. For more details about the overall process and what to expect, you can visit our Universal Credit migration page.
Taking these steps will help you move to Universal Credit smoothly and avoid unnecessary disruptions to your benefits. If you need more detailed guidance on what to do after receiving a migration notice, see our page on moving to Universal Credit if you’ve got a migration notice.
Summary and next steps
After reviewing your situation, you should now have a clearer idea of whether you need to move to Universal Credit from your current benefits. To check if the change applies to you, consider whether you have received a migration notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and review your current benefits against the latest Universal Credit eligibility criteria. If you’re still unsure, it’s wise to seek advice from a trusted benefits adviser or consult official government resources to avoid missing important deadlines or losing out on support.
If you have received a migration notice, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and act within the specified timeframe. For step-by-step guidance on what to do next, visit our page on moving to Universal Credit if you’ve got a migration notice.
Once you move to Universal Credit, you must report any changes in your circumstances – such as changes in income, living arrangements, or employment status – promptly to the DWP. Keeping your information up to date is essential, as it can affect the amount you receive and help you avoid overpayments or penalties. Learn more about the importance of reporting changes and updates on Universal Credit.
It’s also helpful to understand how Universal Credit is paid, including payment dates, budgeting tips, and what to expect in your first assessment period. Staying informed about the latest rules and payment arrangements will help you manage your finances more effectively.
After you’ve moved, you can find practical advice on managing your benefits while you’re on Universal Credit, including how to update your details, report changes, and access additional support if needed.
For a complete overview of the process and to explore related topics, visit our main Universal Credit migration page. Staying up to date and knowing your rights will help you make the transition smoothly and ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.
