Tens of thousands have until tomorrow to make universal credit switch

More than 60,000 people are still to make the move from legacy benefits to universal credit (UC) after getting a migration notice in September. 

According to the Sun, that means 61,877 people only have until New Year’s Eve to apply for UC or risk losing payments. 

Will there be an extension? 

Last year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed some festive goodwill by extending the deadline for many households.  

Those who needed to switch between 11 December 2023 and 5 January 2024 received an extra 30 days.  

Unfortunately, this year is different, so if you got a migration notice at the end of September or beginning of October, you’ll need to act quickly.  

What are legacy benefits? 

Legacy benefits are the older payments made by the government before the introduction of universal credit, such as: 

• tax credits 

• housing benefit 

• income support 

• jobseeker's allowance 

• income-related employment and support allowance 

They’re all being phased out as the benefits system is simplified into one payment.

Will I be better off with universal credit? 

Most people will be better off after moving to universal credit.  

If you end up receiving less than before, don't worry. You may qualify for something called transitional protection.  

This support gradually goes down as your universal credit amount increases. 

Transitional protection usually applies automatically, so there’s no need for you to apply for it. 

How to claim universal credit

You can submit your universal credit claim in several ways: 

• online 

• by phone on  0800 169 0328 

• in person at your local jobcentre 

After making your claim, be prepared for a wait of about five weeks for your initial payment.  

Once you start getting payments, you’ll keep receiving it unless your circumstances change.  

Support is available

If you need help during this transition, reach out to DWP. They’re there to assist you.  

If you think you might be missing out on benefits, it’s a good idea to check if you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.

You can get in touch or use our benefits calculator.