Advice about benefits

I’ve just received / filled in my Tax Credit renewal pack – do I still need to make a claim for UC?

You will need to complete and return your Tax Credits renewal as normal. If you have also received a Migration Notice, then you will also have to make a claim for Universal Credit. Timing of that claim can be important – so speak to a Benefits Advisor.

There’s a leaflet about Universal Credit in my Tax Credit renewal pack—is this my Migration Notice?

No. This leaflet is not your Migration Notice. The leaflet is to raise awareness that some people may be better off on UC. If you think this could be you, get advice before
making the claim, there’s more you MUST think about.

I’ve not had a letter about the move to Universal Credit, but a neighbour has, should I just make a claim?

You do not have to do anything until you personally receive a letter from the DWP informing you that you need to claim. If you claim UC before you receive your Migration Notice you will not be entitled to any Transitional Protection that you could have been entitled to. Some people may be better off on Universal Credit and want to claim as soon as possible, but there is lots you MUST think about before making a claim. Always speak to a Benefits Advisor before making a claim for UC.

I’ve received a letter but I’m not sure if it is a Migration Notice

If it gives you a date by which you must claim Universal Credit, then it is a Migration Notice. At the bottom of each page of the letter it will state: ‘This is a migration notice
issued under regulation 44 of the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2014.’ If you are still unsure, seek advice.

I’ve received my Migration Notice but I’m going to struggle to make a claim before the date in the letter – what should I do?

Contact the UC Migration Notice Helpline, explain why you are going to struggle and request an extension. They can give you an extra 4 weeks in which to claim.

I’ve missed my deadline / my Tax Credits have stopped – what should I do?

If you need the financial assistance Tax Credits have given you, then you will need to make a claim for Universal Credit. If you make your claim within a month of your ‘deadline day’, your UC claim will be backdated and there will be no gap between your Tax Credits ending and UC starting (and you could still receive any Transitional Protection you are entitled to). If it is over a month since your deadline, claim Universal Credit as soon as possible (note: there will be a gap in your entitlements, and you will not be entitled to Transitional Protection).

An online calculator says I’ll be worse off on Universal Credit / not entitled to any – do I still have to claim?

Yes – but your entitlement may be different to what the calculator told you! Where the DWP sends someone a Migration Notice meaning they have no choice but to claim UC, the DWP do not think it would be fair if the change made them immediately worse off. So, they have put in place some Transitional Protections to prevent this from happening in most cases. Online calculators do not always account for these protections.

If you receive a Migration Notice and make a claim for UC by the deadline given, you could be entitled to a Transitional Protection. There are different types of protection. The first allows some Tax Credit claimants to claim UC where they would not normally be entitled – those who have capital over £16,000 and some students. The second increases the amount of UC initially awarded so it’s closer to the claimant’s Tax Credits entitlement – by including a Transitional Element in the calculation.

I’ve been told that I will be entitled to Transitional Protection, do I need to make a claim for this separately?

No. If you make a successful claim for Universal Credit by the deadline given in your Migration Notice and are entitled to some protection you will receive this
automatically.

I’ve been told that I will be entitled to Transitional Protection – how long will it last?

Certain changes in circumstances will end the protection. Additionally, the amount of Transitional Element you receive can reduce. Speak to a Benefits Advisor for more information.

Before making a claim you will need the following so that you can receive your UC payments as soon as possible: 

• Access to a computer and the internet – To make and manage an online claim 
• An email address – To register and receive updates regarding your claim 
• Details of your household members – Dates of birth are required 
• Verification – As part of the claim you will need to verify yourself with the DWP – further information can be found here
• A bank or credit union account – To receive your UC payments into and to set up regular payments to your rent account via direct debit or standing order
• A copy of your tenancy agreement – To provide proof of your rent and/or service charges 

Your claim can take up to 5 weeks after providing all the supporting evidence needed. During this time you can apply for an 'Advanced Payment' which will be equal to your monthly payment (you can pay this back over 12 months). Find out how to apply for an 'Advanced Payment' here. 

You may also be entitled to a 2 week ‘run on’ of Housing Benefit payments to help reduce any rent arrears on your account – maximum Housing Benefit will be paid minus any deductions for spare bedrooms and non-dependants. 

If you are moving between Local Authorities this ‘run on’ will be paid by your old Local Authority, it is important that you contact them to request the ‘run on’ which may be paid directly to yourself.