Universal Credit (UC) is replacing the following benefits: income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

The Department for Communities (DfC) announced that from October 2023, it will start sending out formal Migration Notices to people on Tax Credits. 

People are advised not to make a claim for UC before they receive their Migration Notice letter which will give an exact date by which you need to make a claim for UC.

Some claimants will be required to migrate to UC before they receive their migration letter due to a change of circumstances that means they are no longer entitled to their existing benefit. 

Alternatively you might think you will be better off claiming UC and choose to make a claim. In either case, if in doubt, please talk to one of our Advisers as once you have registered a claim for UC, you cannot go back to your previous benefit and in most cases, you will not be entitled to any transitional protection.