Managed migration explained
Managed migration is where the Government moves you on to Universal Credit from another benefit even if your circumstances have not changed. This process started on a small scale in 2022 only affecting some areas nationally. However this is now progressing steadily, and it is expected that most people in receipt of a legacy benefit (Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit) will be moved over to Universal Credit by the end of December 2025. The last benefit being moved is Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance.
As part of the Managed Migration process, the Government is writing to people inviting them to claim Universal Credit. The letter is called a Migration Notice. It's happening in stages depending on which legacy benefit you receive.
Once you have you received your letter
The Department for Works and Pension will be sending Migration Notices to Knowsley residents over the coming months depending on what legacy benefit you are currently receiving.
When you do get this letter, do not ignore it. You must claim Universal Credit because your legacy benefit will stop after three months of the date of the letter. If you are late in making this claim you will lose any entitlement to "Transitional Protection". Transitional Protection is the difference between your existing entitlement and your entitlement to UC. If you were better off on your existing benefit and you claim UC before the deadline then you should be no worse off when you move to UC. If you make your claim for UC after the 3-month deadline then you will not be paid your Transitional Protection.
If you are living in rented accommodation and receive care, support or supervision as part of your tenancy or you are living in temporary homeless accommodation you will continue to claim Housing Benefit to support with your rent costs.
You have to claim Universal Credit online (or, you can claim it over the phone in limited circumstances)
More information is available from the Understanding Universal Credit website.
Help with your claim
There are 2 ways to get help with your Universal Credit claim. You can either call the Universal Credit helpline or use the Help to claim service.
Calls to the Universal Credit helpline are free.
Universal Credit helpline
Telephone
0800 328 5644
Welsh language
0800 328 1744
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone)
18001 then 0800 328 5644
Other methods
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer
Find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Textphone
0800 328 1344
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Help to Claim
You can get free support from trained advisers to make a Universal Credit claim. They can help you with things like online applications or preparing for your first jobcentre appointment.
The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential. They will not share your personal information unless you agree.