The move to Universal Credit
Universal Credit is replacing six means-tested benefits known as 'legacy benefits':
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
What is migration to Universal Credit?
Migration means the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) will notify you to switch from legacy benefits to Universal Credit. This is called 'managed migration.' The DWP will send letters, known as 'migration notices,' inviting people to claim Universal Credit. These notices will be issued in stages based on which benefit you get now.
I have received a migration notice. What should I do?
If you receive a migration notice, do not ignore it. You must claim Universal Credit within 3 months from the date of the letter. Your legacy benefits will stop after this date. If you claim Universal Credit before the deadline, the DWP may provide extra payments if you are worse off after the move.
This extra payment is called 'transitional protection.' It means you'll get an additional amount if your Universal Credit is less than your previous benefits. You might lose this protection if you don't apply by the deadline.
What if I can’t claim by the migration deadline?
If the deadline hasn't passed, you can ask the DWP for an extension by contacting them directly. The telephone number will be on your migration notice.
How do I make a claim for Universal Credit?
If you receive a migration notice, you must apply for Universal Credit online within 3 months. Having the right documents and information will make the easier to apply.
If you cannot apply online, the help-to-claim service can assist you.
You can also contact the Universal Credit helpline.
You can search on InformationNow for where you can get help in Newcastle with Universal Credit.
What happens next?
Once your claim is submitted online, the DWP will contact you if they need more information. You may need an appointment at your local Jobcentre.
Most people receive their first Universal Credit payment about five weeks after making their claim. The payment day depends on when you applied.
If you don’t have enough money to live on while waiting for your first payment, you may be able to get an advance on your first Universal Credit payment.
Advance payments are loans, and deductions from your monthly Universal Credit payment will reduce your award until it is paid back.
Paying my rent and council tax
If you receive Housing Benefit, it will end once you claim Universal Credit. Housing Costs will be paid through your Universal Credit award. If you are a Council tenant receiving Housing Benefit, payments will no longer go directly to your rent account. Universal Credit is paid to you directly, so you must arrange to pay your rent. You can request that your Housing Costs be paid directly to the Council if you have arrears or difficulty managing your finances.
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you can make an application to Council Tax Support.