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Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help people on a low income with living costs.

You’ll receive a letter in the post from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

It’s important that you don’t do anything until you receive your letter. This is called a Universal Credit Migration Notice, and it tells you when you need to move to Universal Credit.

Which benefits/tax credits will be affected?

The following benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit:

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

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to people who receive these benefits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead.

How do I claim Universal Credit?

This letter – called a Migration Notice – explains what you need to do and when. It also provides information on the help available to continue receiving financial support from the government.

Find out when you’re likely to be asked to move to Universal Credit.

It’s important that you don’t do anything until you receive your letter. You won’t be moved automatically but your letter will provide all the information you need to make the move to Universal Credit.

Once you’ve received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you’ll need to make a claim for Universal Credit to continue to get financial support. There will be a deadline in your letter. This will be three months from the date the letter was sent out.

Your current benefits will end as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit and you won’t be able to go back to your existing benefit once you’ve claimed.

There’s lots of support available to help, including if you need help with your Universal Credit application or managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment. Visit gov.uk/ucmove for more information.

Contact us

If you’re struggling with debts, call us on 0800 316 1833. We’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can visit our advice page to speak to us via live chat or for more information.