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Universal Credit (UC) is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income or are looking for work.
The following benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit:
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I currently receive benefits or tax credits - what will happen to me?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is writing to those who receive these 'legacy benefits' to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead.
This letter - called a Universal Credit Migration Notice - will explain what you’ll need to do, and by when.
You will not move to Universal Credit if you only receive Housing Benefit and you:
- are a pensioner (you are 66 years old or over)
- live in temporary accommodation provided by a council because you were homeless
- live in supported accommodation including refuges, hostels, extra care housing and some sheltered housing
Instead, you will continue to receive support with housing costs through your existing Housing Benefit.
What happens next?
It is important that you do not do anything until you receive your letter. When you receive your Migration Notice letter, you’ll need to make a claim for Universal Credit (UC).
You will not be moved automatically and you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date given in your letter. The deadline date for applying is 3 months from the date the letter is sent out. Look out for your letter - this letter will explain what you will have to do to claim UC and the deadline by which you must have applied and completed your application to continue receiving financial support.
Please note that affected legacy benefits will end by the deadline given in the Migration Notice even if you do not apply for Universal Credit.
Meanwhile, you can start to prepare for your move to Universal Credit. Find out how much you’re likely to get on Universal Credit.
Your current benefits will end as soon as you submit your claim for Universal Credit and you will not be able to go back to your existing benefit once you have claimed. Please do not ignore this letter.
Need advice or support? We will help you. Please get in touch with your housing officer on 0141 560 6000 if you have any questions.
Tax Credits
Tax credits ended in April 2025. If you would like advice or support, we can help. Please get in touch with your housing officer on 0141 560 6000 if you have any questions.
If you are over State Pension age and got Child Tax Credits or Working Tax Credits, you might have been sent a ‘tax credit closure notice’, telling you that your tax credits will end. This letter isn't a migration notice - it won't say you need to move onto Universal Credit.
You might be able to apply for Pension Credit instead if you’re not already getting it. Check if you can get Pension Credit.
