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Moving to Universal Credit

Last updated: 03/02/2026

OPFS money and debt advice service

OPFS’s money and debt advice service provides free, confidential advice for single parents anywhere in Scotland.

Our expert advisers will work with you every step of the way to understand your financial situation, explore all available options for managing your debt and provide support with putting your chosen solutions into action.

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Moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit

Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and tax credits are now called legacy benefits and are being replaced by Universal Credit. If you are getting a legacy benefit, you will receive a letter from DWP telling you that your benefits will stop and asking you to claim Universal Credit instead.

The process of moving people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit has been in progress for some time and is expected to be complete by March 2026.

You may be getting more money from legacy benefits than you would get from Universal Credit. If you claim Universal Credit when you receive the letter, your benefit income will not be reduced. You will receive the same amount. This is called transitional protection. However, the Universal Credit you get will not be up-rated each year but will stay the same until it is equal to the amount of Universal Credit you should get.

See more information.

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