Moving to Universal Credit
We can explain what Universal Credit is, how it works, and what it may mean for you. We can also help you understand how moving to Universal Credit could affect your current benefits, housing costs, and payments, and what support is available to help you manage the change.
Moving to Universal Credit
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has started moving people from certain working age benefits to Universal Credit - this known as Managed Migration.
The process of Managed Migration is happening in stages and will affect different areas at different times. The DWP aim to complete this process by 2028.
Please don't ignore your Migration Notice
If you are going to be moved to UC, you will receive a letter known as a MIGRATION NOTICE. If you receive a notice, do not ignore it!
How Universal Credit is paid
Universal Credit is usually paid once a month into your bank, building society or credit union account. Payments are worked out over a monthly assessment period, and you are normally paid seven days after each assessment period ends.
After you make a new claim, it usually takes around five weeks to receive your first payment. This is because the first assessment period must finish before a payment can be made.
If you are worried about managing money while you wait for your first payment, you may be able to apply for an advance. This is a loan that is paid back through future Universal Credit payments.
Your Universal Credit payment may include money to help with rent or other housing costs. In most cases, this money is paid to you and you are responsible for paying your rent to your landlord.
Frequently asked questions about Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit that brings together support for everyday living costs and housing costs into a single monthly payment. It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions and is replacing several older working-age benefits.
You may be moving to Universal Credit because the benefit you currently receive is ending. This process is called Managed Migration and is part of a national change to the benefits system. The Department for Work and Pensions contacts people directly when they need to move.
A Migration Notice is a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions telling you that you must move to Universal Credit. The letter explains when you need to claim by and what support is available to help you make your claim.
You should not ignore this letter, as your current benefits can stop if you do not claim Universal Credit by the deadline.
If you miss the deadline, your existing benefits can end even if you have not claimed Universal Credit. In some situations, you may be able to ask for more time, but this must usually be done before the deadline and you will need a good reason.
If you are worried about money while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, you may be able to apply for an advance. This is a loan that is paid back through future Universal Credit payments.
Universal Credit can include money to help with rent or other housing costs. In most cases, this money is paid to you as part of your monthly payment, and you are responsible for paying your rent to your landlord.
In some situations, such as if you need extra support, arrangements can be put in place to help manage rent payments.
If you find it difficult to manage a single monthly payment, you can ask Universal Credit about alternative payment arrangements. These may include paying rent directly to your landlord or changing how often you are paid, depending on your circumstances.
You can get free help from Citizens Advice through their Help to Claim service. Platform’s Successful Tenancies Team can also support you to understand Universal Credit and the steps involved in making a claim.