What is a Migration Notice?
What is a Migration Notice?
A migration notice is an official letter sent by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) informing you that you must move from your current benefits to Universal Credit. This process is part of the government’s plan to simplify the benefits system by replacing certain older benefits with Universal Credit. If you receive a migration notice, it means you are required by law to make a claim for Universal Credit within a set deadline.
Why you might receive a migration notice
You may receive a migration notice if you are currently claiming benefits that are being replaced by Universal Credit. These benefits include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit. The government is gradually moving people from these benefits to Universal Credit through a process known as managed migration. For a detailed explanation of this process and what it involves, see the Universal Credit migration process.
Who sends migration notices and when
Migration notices are issued by the DWP. The rollout is happening in stages, with notices being sent to different groups of claimants over time. According to the Migration Notice information from City of York Council, the DWP began sending migration notices to certain claimants in September 2024 and aims to notify everyone in this group by December 2025. You’ll receive your migration notice through the post, so it’s important to keep your address up to date with your current benefit provider.
Your legal requirement to move to Universal Credit
Once you get a migration notice, you are legally required to claim Universal Credit by the deadline stated in your letter – usually within three months. If you do not apply by the deadline, your current benefits will stop. This requirement is set out in government regulations covering managed migration, which means you cannot choose to stay on your existing benefits once you have been notified. For an overview of the legal framework and what Universal Credit means for you, visit Universal Credit.
What happens to your current benefits
When you receive a migration notice, your current benefits will not stop immediately. You will continue to receive them until you make a claim for Universal Credit or the deadline passes. If you claim Universal Credit by the deadline, your old benefits will end and your new Universal Credit payments will begin. There may be a short gap between your last payment of your old benefit and your first Universal Credit payment, so it’s important to budget for this transition.
In some cases, you may be eligible for transitional protection, which is designed to ensure you do not lose out financially when moving to Universal Credit. The migration notice will explain how this works and what you need to do.
For more detailed advice on how the migration process works and what to expect, you can read the Managed migration to Universal Credit City of York Council and Universal Credit managed migration Coventry City Council pages.
Understanding your migration notice and acting promptly is crucial to avoid any disruption to your payments. If you have questions about your individual circumstances, check the resources above or contact your local benefits office for further guidance.
Understanding the Move to Universal Credit
When you receive a migration notice, it means you’re being asked to move from your current benefits – such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit – to Universal Credit. This process is part of a government programme to simplify the benefits system and ensure everyone receives support through one payment.
How the Migration Process Works
Once you get your migration notice, you’ll have a set period – usually three months – to claim Universal Credit. The notice will tell you exactly when you need to apply by. During this time, your existing benefits will continue, but you must take action before the deadline to avoid losing your entitlement.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Migration Notice
Read your migration notice carefully. It will outline which benefits are ending and the date you need to claim Universal Credit by.
Gather necessary information. You’ll need details like income, housing costs, savings, and identification documents.
Make your Universal Credit claim. You can find step-by-step guidance on applying for Universal Credit, which explains what information you’ll need and how to complete your application online.
What Happens to Your Existing Benefits
After you submit your Universal Credit claim, your old benefits will usually stop. There may be some overlap to ensure you aren’t left without support, but you won’t receive duplicate payments. It’s important to keep your details up to date and respond to any requests from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) during this period.
If you don’t apply for Universal Credit by the deadline in your migration notice, your existing benefits will end and you could lose out on financial support. If you think you’ve missed the deadline or need more time because of exceptional circumstances, contact DWP as soon as possible.
Deadlines and Timelines
Deadline to apply: Your migration notice will state the last date you can claim Universal Credit. This is usually three months from the date on the notice.
Transition period: Once you apply, your Universal Credit claim will be assessed. Payments are usually made monthly, and you’ll receive your first payment about five weeks after making a claim.
Transitional protection: Some people may be eligible for extra payments if their Universal Credit is less than their previous benefits. This is called transitional protection, and it helps ensure you don’t lose out financially when you first move over.
Legal Framework
The move to Universal Credit is governed by specific rules set out in the Universal Credit Regulations 2013. These regulations explain how the migration process works, what counts as income, and how your entitlement is calculated. If you want to see the exact legal details or check your rights, this is the official source.
Understanding the migration process and meeting the required deadlines is essential to make sure your support continues smoothly. For more detailed guidance on the application process, visit our page on applying for Universal Credit. If you need to check the official rules, you can refer to the Universal Credit Regulations 2013.
What You Need to Do When You Get a Migration Notice
When you receive a migration notice telling you to move from your current benefits to Universal Credit, it’s important to act promptly to avoid any disruption to your payments. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Read Your Migration Notice Carefully
The migration notice is an official letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It will tell you which of your existing benefits are ending and give you a deadline by which you must claim Universal Credit. Make sure you note this date – if you don’t make your claim in time, your current benefits may stop.
If you’re unsure whether you need to move to Universal Credit, you can check if you should move to Universal Credit from other benefits before starting your application.
2. Register and Make Your Universal Credit Claim
You’ll need to create a Universal Credit account online or arrange a phone appointment if you can’t apply online. The migration notice will explain how to do this. Gather information you’ll need for your claim, such as:
National Insurance number
Details of your income and savings
Information about rent or mortgage payments
Identification documents
Start your Universal Credit claim as soon as possible after receiving your migration notice. This helps ensure there’s no gap in your payments.
3. Keep Track of Your Claim
After you’ve submitted your claim, regularly check your Universal Credit online journal or keep in touch with your work coach. The DWP may ask for more information or evidence to process your claim, such as payslips, bank statements, or proof of housing costs. Respond to any requests quickly to avoid delays or issues with your payments.
4. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to receive support during the migration process. If you believe you’ve been sent a migration notice in error, or if you have questions about your eligibility, contact the DWP as soon as possible. Remember, you must complete your Universal Credit claim by the deadline given in your migration notice.
5. Get Help if You Need It
If you have questions or run into problems, you can contact the Universal Credit helpline. They can help if you’re struggling with the online application, need more time due to personal circumstances, or require support for a disability or health condition. You may also be able to get help from local advice centres or charities.
Taking action as soon as you receive your migration notice will help ensure a smoother transition to Universal Credit and prevent any interruptions to your benefit payments.
How Your Payments May Change
When you move to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice, the way your payments are calculated will be different from your previous benefits. Here’s what you need to know about how your payments may change and what you should do to manage the transition smoothly.
How Universal Credit Payments Are Calculated
Universal Credit combines several benefits into one monthly payment. Instead of receiving separate payments for things like Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, or Tax Credits, you’ll get a single amount each month. The amount you receive is based on your household circumstances, including your income, savings, housing costs, and the number of people living with you.
Universal Credit is calculated using a standard allowance, plus extra amounts for things like children, disabilities, or housing. Any earnings or other income you have will usually reduce your payment, but some income is ignored or only partially counted.
Changes in Payment Amounts and Frequency
One of the main differences you’ll notice is the frequency of payments. Universal Credit is paid monthly, rather than weekly or fortnightly, which may be different from your previous benefits. The amount you receive may also be higher or lower than before, depending on your situation and how your old benefits compared to the Universal Credit calculation.
If you find that your Universal Credit payment is lower than your previous benefits, you might be eligible for transitional protection. This is an extra amount added to your Universal Credit to make sure you don’t lose out at the point you move over. Transitional protection only lasts until your circumstances change in a way that affects your entitlement.
How Changes in Circumstances Affect Your Payments
Your Universal Credit payment can go up or down if your circumstances change. For example, if you start a new job, work more hours, or get a pay rise, your Universal Credit might be reduced, as your earnings will be taken into account. On the other hand, if your income drops or your housing costs increase, your payment could go up.
It’s important to understand how getting a job or pay rise while on Universal Credit can affect your payments. Universal Credit is designed to adjust automatically each month based on your most recent circumstances, but you must report any changes promptly to make sure you’re getting the right amount.
Reporting Changes Promptly
You have a legal responsibility to report any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible. This includes changes to your income, employment status, who you live with, or your housing situation. Failing to report changes could lead to overpayments, which you’ll have to pay back, or underpayments, meaning you might not get the support you’re entitled to.
To avoid problems, always update your Universal Credit account or contact your work coach as soon as something changes. This will help ensure your payments are correct and up to date.
Moving to Universal Credit can mean some adjustments in how and when you’re paid, but understanding the rules and keeping your information up to date will help you manage the transition with confidence. If you’re unsure about how a change might affect your payments, it’s always best to seek advice or check your online Universal Credit account for guidance.
Support Available When You Move to Universal Credit
When you receive a migration notice to move to Universal Credit, you might be worried about how your circumstances will be supported during the transition. Universal Credit is designed to provide a range of help, tailored to different needs, including extra support for housing costs, people who are sick or disabled, and families with children. Here’s what you need to know about the support available:
Help with Housing Costs
If you currently get help with your rent or housing costs through benefits like Housing Benefit, this support can continue under Universal Credit. Universal Credit includes a housing element that helps with rent, some service charges, and, in certain cases, mortgage interest payments. The amount you receive depends on your circumstances, including your income, household size, and where you live. For more detailed information about what you can claim and how it works, see help with housing.
Support for People Who Are Sick or Disabled
Universal Credit offers extra support if you have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work. When you apply, you can report any health issues or disabilities, and you may be asked to provide medical evidence. Depending on your situation, you could be placed in a work capability group, which affects what is expected of you and the amount you receive. You may also qualify for additional elements within your Universal Credit payment. To understand your options and the process, visit getting Universal Credit if you’re sick or disabled.
Financial Help if You Have Children
Families with children may be entitled to extra support through Universal Credit. This includes a child element for each child you’re responsible for, and possibly a childcare costs element if you pay for registered childcare so you can work. The rules around how much you can get and who qualifies are specific, so it’s important to check the details for your situation. Find out more about help if you have children.
Getting Advice and Assistance
The move to Universal Credit can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. If you have questions about your migration notice, your eligibility for extra support, or how your payments might change, it’s a good idea to seek advice as soon as possible. Support is available through advice agencies, local councils, and online resources. If you’re struggling financially during the transition, you may also be able to get advance payments or other emergency help.
Remember, you have rights and responsibilities during this process. Make sure you read your migration notice carefully, respond within the deadline, and provide any information requested. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help – getting the right advice early on can make your move to Universal Credit much smoother.
Your Rights and Responsibilities During Migration
Your Rights and Responsibilities During Migration
When you receive a migration notice to move from your current benefits to Universal Credit, it’s important to understand both your rights and your responsibilities throughout the process. Being informed helps you make the transition smoothly and ensures you get the support you’re entitled to.
Understanding Your Rights
As you move to Universal Credit, you have the right to:
Receive clear information: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) must explain why you are being asked to move, what you need to do, and how your payments may change.
Make a claim for Universal Credit: You are entitled to claim Universal Credit and receive any transitional protection you qualify for to help prevent sudden drops in your income.
Be treated fairly: You have the right to equal treatment, regardless of your background or circumstances.
Challenge decisions: If you disagree with a decision about your Universal Credit claim – such as how much you’re awarded or whether you’re eligible – you have the right to ask for a review and, if necessary, appeal.
Your rights are protected by UK law, including the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987, which set out rules for claiming and receiving benefits.
Your Responsibilities
To make sure your move to Universal Credit goes smoothly, you must:
Apply by the deadline: Your migration notice will tell you when you need to claim Universal Credit. Missing this deadline could result in your current benefits stopping.
Provide accurate and complete information: When you apply, you must give up-to-date and correct details about your income, savings, housing, and household members. Giving false or incomplete information can affect your payments and may lead to penalties.
Report changes in circumstances: You must tell Universal Credit if anything changes, such as starting a new job, moving home, or changes in your family. Keeping your claim up to date helps you avoid overpayments or underpayments.
Attend appointments and respond to requests: If the DWP asks for more information or invites you to an interview, you need to respond promptly.
These responsibilities are set out in the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987, which explain what is required when making and maintaining benefit claims.
If You Disagree with a Decision
If you think a decision about your Universal Credit claim is wrong, you have the right to challenge it. This might include decisions about:
The amount of Universal Credit you’re awarded
Whether you qualify for transitional protection
How your claim has been processed
The first step is to ask for a “mandatory reconsideration,” which means the DWP will look at the decision again. If you’re still unhappy after this, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Make sure to keep records of all communication and provide any evidence you have to support your case.
Getting Help with Appeals or Complaints
If you need help challenging a decision or making a complaint about how your migration has been handled, you can:
Request support from the DWP: They can explain the process and help you understand your options.
Seek advice from local support organisations: Many community groups and charities offer free advice on benefits and appeals.
Refer to the regulations: For the full details of your rights and responsibilities, you can read the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987. These regulations explain how claims should be made, what information you need to provide, and how payments are managed.
Understanding your rights and meeting your responsibilities helps protect your income and ensures your move to Universal Credit is as straightforward as possible. If you have concerns or need advice, don’t hesitate to seek support.
Further Information and Resources
If you need more detailed guidance about moving to Universal Credit after receiving a migration notice, there are several resources to help you understand your options and next steps.
For an overview of the process, including who is affected and what to expect, you may wish to read more about the Universal Credit migration. This provides broader context on why these changes are happening, what the migration notice means, and how it fits within the wider benefits system.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides official information and updates on the migration process. Their guidance on Transitional protection if you receive a Migration Notice letter – GOV.UK explains what financial help may be available to you when you move to Universal Credit, including transitional protection to help maintain your income during the switch. This is especially important if you’re worried about how your payments might change or if you have specific questions about support while you adjust to the new system.
To stay informed about any future changes to Universal Credit rules or the benefits system, it’s a good idea to regularly check official government updates. The DWP often revises guidance as policies develop, so keeping up to date ensures you don’t miss important deadlines or new entitlements.
If you have questions about your rights, responsibilities, or how to manage the transition, remember that support is available. The official resources above provide reliable, up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions and access the assistance you need.
