Universal Credit Migration: What you need to know

What is happening with legacy benefits?

If you are claiming a legacy benefit you will not be automatically moved onto Universal Credit and you will need to take action to continue receiving your payments.

This applies to everyone and you will not have a choice on whether you are migrated to Universal Credit.

Take a look at our colour-coded road map below to understand when you should and should not apply for Universal Credit when you are on legacy benefits.

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly and you may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

What are legacy benefits?

Universal Credit will replace the following legacy benefits: Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, and Income Support.

What is transitional protection?

Transitional protection helps with your move to Universal Credit and means you can get a transitional protection payment added to your Universal Credit entitlement if you currently receive more from your previous tax credits or legacy benefits. It should stop you from being ‘worse off’ on Universal Credit.

Help to Claim Universal Credit with Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has a dedicated Help to Claim service that can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim to work out if you can get Universal Credit, fill in the Universal Credit application, prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment and check your first payment is correct. Contact us at:

Freephone: 0800 144 8 444 (8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday)

Webchat: Click here

More information about Universal Credit migration: Click here

Find out what Citizens Advice are saying about the challenges of Universal Credit migration: Click here

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Universal Credit at any time before you have reached pension age. However, you will not carry over the protections of the migration process mentioned above.

  • You can apply for Universal Credit online on www.gov.uk or over the phone by calling the Universal Credit helpline telephone number: 0800 328 5644.

    However, be aware that if you claim online you will manage your claim online thereafter.

  • For the initial 12 months of claiming Universal Credit your payments will not be affected by the amount of savings you have. After this time frame, your payments will be reduced accordingly if you have more than £6,000 in savings.