Universal Credit and Managed Migration

In April 2022, the Government set out its plan to complete the move to Universal Credit from old ‘legacy benefits’ including Housing Benefit, Tax Credits, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment & Support Allowance.

Claimants have migrated across naturally following a change of circumstances but since late 2022, the Government has started to move the remaining claimants across in a phased approach called Managed Migration.

We have been informed that Somerset is in the next phase and those currently claiming tax credits (working and/or child) will shortly receive notice that their tax credit claim will end and an application for Universal Credit will need to be made. This is called a Migration Notice.

After a Migration Notice is served, you will have 3 months to claim Universal Credit after which time, tax credit payments will cease.

At the point of moving to Universal Credit (through managed migration), an assessment will be completed, and transitional protection will be applied which will generate an additional payment. This temporary payment aims to maintain benefit entitlement at the point of transition so that you will have time to adjust to the new benefits system.

Those on Employment Support Allowance, Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income Based) and all Housing Benefit cases (including combinations of these benefits) will be required to move to Universal Credit from 2024/25. You are still however able to claim Universal Credit before 2024 if you believe that you will be better off.

If you would like to read more about Universal Credit, please visit the GOV.UK website.