The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has started issuing Universal Credit Migration Notices to customers in West Sussex letting them know that one or more of their benefits will be ending and inviting them to apply for Universal Credit. This will continue throughout 2024/25, with some customers being migrated as late as 2028. Customers already on Universal Credit will not receive a Migration Notice.
During the migration, most people who receive legacy means-tested benefits (Tax Credits, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Age Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit) will be contacted and invited to claim Universal Credit. If you receive a Migration Notice, your legacy means-tested benefits will end by the deadline date on the letter. If you still need financial support after this date, you will need to claim Universal Credit instead. You should make your claim before the deadline date.
You do not have the option to stay on your legacy means-tested benefits. If you do not claim Universal Credit by the deadline date and your benefits end, this will lead to a reduction in or loss of your income and rent arrears if you are currently in receipt of Housing Benefit.
If your letter does not have a deadline date, this isn’t your Migration Notice, and you don’t need to claim Universal Credit unless you want to.
If you have received a Migration Notice and need guidance or extra help
Find out more at www.gov.uk/guidance/tax-credits-and-some-benefits-are-ending-move-to-universal-credit.
You can also contact the Citizens Advice Universal Credit Help to Claim Service if you need help understanding your Migration Notice or you need support applying for Universal Credit:
Tel: 0800 144 8 444.
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 144 8 444
Webchat: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/
Advisers have access to both language and BSL interpreting services, and all Citizens Advice services are completely free of charge and confidential.
