This page is a guide to help you understand if you’ll be asked to move, what you need to do and when you need to make the move to Universal Credit.
Yes, you’ll need to apply within three months of getting the letter or you’ll risk losing your benefits completely. You won’t be moved automatically, so it’s important that you apply online.
If you’re receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit and no other benefits, you’ll receive a letter from the DWP asking you to move to Universal Credit. If you’re receiving any other benefits on top of these, you won’t be asked to move until later next year.
If you live with a partner, you’ll both need to claim Universal Credit together. You must make a joint claim for your household, even if your partner is not eligible for Universal Credit.
There’s a temporary top-up payment available called transitional protection. This will make sure that Universal Credit matches what you currently get from your entitlements to help you adjust, and will go down over time. You’ll only get transitional protection if you apply within three months of receiving the letter from the DWP.
You can apply online on the UK Government website. You’ll need to complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account or you’ll have to start your application again.
To find out how much you might get, search ‘Turn2Us Benefits Calculator’ online.
No – once you make the claim for Universal Credit, you cannot go back to the benefits you were on previously.
If you need support applying or want advice, our Money Advice team can help. Get in touch and ask to speak to the Money Advice team about making the move to Universal Credit.
