Help with Universal Credit migration

We understand that many of our customers may have questions about the move to Universal Credit, especially if you've heard about something called "managed migration." We're here to help you understand what it means, what steps you need to take, and where to get support.

We’ve created this guide to explain the process clearly and help you understand what you need to do. You can also find further information and guidance on the GOV.UK website.

Further information on Universal Credit can be found here: Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter - GOV.UK

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit (UC) is the new benefit system designed to simplify the existing system and provide better support for those receiving benefits in the UK. It replaces older benefit systems and is being introduced gradually through a process called Universal Credit Migration.

What is Managed Migration?

A ‘Managed Migration’ is the term used to describe the process where anyone who still receives legacy benefits will change over (migrate to) Universal Credit. The Legacy benefits that will be replaced, with Universal Credit, include:

Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you receive one or more of these benefits, you’ll get a Migration Notice letter from DWP. This letter will tell you:

That you need to claim Universal Credit to continue receiving financial support
The deadline date by which you must make your claim

It’s important to act before the deadline. If you don’t, your current benefits will stop, which could cause you to go into rent arrears and you may also miss out on Transitional Protection payments. If you have further questions about Universal Credit and the Managed Migration process, please read our FAQ’s below.

Customers on the benefits below should have already received their Migration Notice and made a claim.

Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

If you haven’t received your letter, please contact our Financial Inclusion team on 0300 355 1000 or use our Contact Us form for support.

Customers on income-related ESA will receive their Migration Notice by December 2025, with all legacy benefit claims expected to close by March 2026.

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you’ll need:

to verify your identity
Accept your claimant commitment
Complete any additional steps required by DWP

Transitional protection is a payment added to your Universal Credit claim to make sure you're not worse off when switching from legacy benefits. To qualify:

You must claim Universal Credit before the deadline in your Migration Notice
The transitional element will be added if your UC award is lower than your previous benefits

If you miss the deadline:

Your legacy benefits will be stopped
You will lose your entitlement to Transitional Protection
You may fall into rent arrears if your Housing Benefit stops.

You will need to contact us to ask for your rent and service charge amount they will need your rent and service charge amounts separately. Give us a call to request these.

Don’t forget to include our two rent-free weeks in your claim
Once your UC is set up, your rent will no longer be paid directly to One Manchester. You’ll need to set up a Direct Debit to pay your rent.

Once your Universal Credit is set up, your rent will no longer come directly to One Manchester like it did with Housing Benefit, instead, you’ll need to contact us to set up a Direct Debit to pay your rent.

You should not apply for Universal Credit until you receive your Managed Migration letter or you will not get your Transitional Protection payments or your two-week legacy benefit.

If you need help purchasing food or fuel or are looking for money advice and support you can get help by calling us on 0330 355 1000 and a member of the team will give you a call back. Alternatively, use our contact form to get in touch.

Help with Universal Credit migration