Universal credit: Managed migration roll-out schedule initially applied to Tax Credit claimants only

On 10 January 2023, The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) published an update about their findings from the early discovery phase of their managed migration work and further detailed information about their overall timetable to complete the move to Universal Credit (UC) for people of working age.

The latest timetable applies to people who have not reached their state pension age (both, in a joint claim).

Tax credit only claimants (i.e., those claiming tax credits but no other legacy benefits) will be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2023.By the end of the 2023/24 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

Tax credit claimants who also claim any of the other legacy benefits will be selected for the managed migration during 2024. By the end of the 2024/25 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

People claiming other legacy benefits, but not Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), will also be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2024. By the end of the 2024/25 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

People claiming ESA only, or ESA plus another legacy benefit (but not tax credits), will be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2028. By the end of the 2028/29 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

The DWP will write to you when they want to move you to Universal Credit telling you what you need to do. If your Universal Credit entitlement is less than your entitlement to legacy benefits you will receive a ‘transitional amount’ to top up your Universal Credit.

You will have one month from the date you receive the letter to claim Universal Credit. If you take no action, you may lose any transitional protection and lose benefit income. It’s therefore important to act as soon as you receive your invitation letter or seek advice at the earliest opportunity to protect your benefit entitlements.

Southway Housing Trust has a designated Advice Team who can advise and support you if you have difficulty or do not understand the migration process. Please contact us if you need help.