Moving to Universal Credit

Last updated: 08/08/2023

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 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 your benefits will stop and asking you to claim Universal Credit instead.

The process of moving people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

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.