DWP pensioners get Migration Notice letter as benefits end
Tax Credits ended on April 5, 2025, the first of this year's legacy benefit closures. Housing Benefit is also ending and is being replaced by Universal Credit (except in certain circumstances).
Claimants must switch to Universal Credit when they receive their migration notice letter, or payments will cease, and time is fast running out.
Those who miss their deadline date can still move to Universal Credit later, but they won't receive important financial protections designed to prevent them from losing money.
These rules only apply to those who receive a letter - and the protection helps those who receive less under Universal Credit than their current benefits. For example, if someone receives £600 from Tax Credits but would only be entitled to £400 under Universal Credit, they can receive a £200 top-up to maintain their current level.
Transitional protection sounds short-term, but it actually lasts until the amount you get in Universal Credit is more than the amount you used to get on your old benefits – for example, because Universal Credit amounts are increased in line with inflation each year, or you become eligible for more support.
But, it only continues while your circumstances stay the same - and can be lost due to a significant life change that causes your eligibility to be reassessed – for example, you move in with a partner.
What is Managed Migration?
The move is part of the DWP's ongoing managed migration programme, which aims to move all claimants of legacy benefits to Universal Credit by March 2026. The full details are listed here.
These include
Child Tax Credits
Housing Benefit
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credits
There has been significant confusion about the transition process, with many recipients at risk of losing their transitional protection if they fail to respond within three months of receiving their notice.
The DWP plans to send migration notices to all legacy benefit claimants by the end of this year. The migration notice will detail the exact date one needs to make a claim.
Those needing assistance with their migration can contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline.
Recommended reading:
Housing Benefit managed migration letters
Housing Benefit will be ending, apart from in the following circumstances:
you're in supported or temporary accommodation your Housing Benefit will continue and will not end
if you do not get Universal Credit or stop claiming Universal Credit you're eligible to reclaim Housing Benefit
You're in supported or temporary accommodation
If you get Housing Benefit and you're not sure if you live in supported or temporary accommodation, speak to your local council.
New @mmhpi research warns that government's planned PIP reforms will have a 'catastrophic impact' on people's finances and mental health, and could drive people out of the workplace.
It says "A system which was already doing a poor job of understanding how mental health… — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 5, 2025
Reclaiming Housing Benefit
Your Housing Benefit will be ending 2 weeks after your deadline date. However, you may be eligible to reclaim Housing Benefit within 3 months if:
your Housing Benefit is stopped, and you have not claimed Universal Credit
you claimed before your deadline date but were not entitled to Universal Credit
you stop receiving Universal Credit
You can get advice from your local council about backdating your Housing Benefit claim. Your claim can only be backdated for up to 3 months.
Find out more about Housing Benefit eligibility.
Claiming Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit
You can choose to claim Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit. If your claim to Pension Credit is accepted, you:
cannot then apply for Universal Credit
will not get Pension Credit transitional protection
may receive less financial support
Find out more about Pension Credit. You can also use the Pension Credit calculator to work out how much you might get.
Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits, and is the gateway to lots of pension age means-tested benefits, such as Winter Fuel Payments, so it's important to claim.
What you get if you receive a DWP managed migration notice
On Universal Credit, most people are entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits, or more.
Your Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to you, for example if you:
have children
need help paying your rent
have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
If you have a disability or health condition which means you get a disability benefit, you may get an extra amount of Universal Credit. You do not need to provide a fit note or have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Removal of the benefit cap
The benefit cap is normally applied to Universal Credit and other benefits. This is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can get. However, the benefit cap does not apply if:
you're State Pension age
you're still working
you received a Migration Notice letter
If the amount you were entitled to on tax credits was more than you get on Universal Credit, you get a top up.
It's paid to you automatically if you got a Migration Notice letter and made a Universal Credit claim by your deadline date.
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Glasgow Times
5 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
DWP pensioners get Migration Notice letter as benefits end
Tax Credits ended on April 5, 2025, the first of this year's legacy benefit closures. Housing Benefit is also ending and is being replaced by Universal Credit (except in certain circumstances). Claimants must switch to Universal Credit when they receive their migration notice letter, or payments will cease, and time is fast running out. Those who miss their deadline date can still move to Universal Credit later, but they won't receive important financial protections designed to prevent them from losing money. These rules only apply to those who receive a letter - and the protection helps those who receive less under Universal Credit than their current benefits. For example, if someone receives £600 from Tax Credits but would only be entitled to £400 under Universal Credit, they can receive a £200 top-up to maintain their current level. Transitional protection sounds short-term, but it actually lasts until the amount you get in Universal Credit is more than the amount you used to get on your old benefits – for example, because Universal Credit amounts are increased in line with inflation each year, or you become eligible for more support. But, it only continues while your circumstances stay the same - and can be lost due to a significant life change that causes your eligibility to be reassessed – for example, you move in with a partner. What is Managed Migration? The move is part of the DWP's ongoing managed migration programme, which aims to move all claimants of legacy benefits to Universal Credit by March 2026. The full details are listed here. These include Child Tax Credits Housing Benefit Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Working Tax Credits There has been significant confusion about the transition process, with many recipients at risk of losing their transitional protection if they fail to respond within three months of receiving their notice. The DWP plans to send migration notices to all legacy benefit claimants by the end of this year. The migration notice will detail the exact date one needs to make a claim. Those needing assistance with their migration can contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline. Recommended reading: Housing Benefit managed migration letters Housing Benefit will be ending, apart from in the following circumstances: you're in supported or temporary accommodation your Housing Benefit will continue and will not end if you do not get Universal Credit or stop claiming Universal Credit you're eligible to reclaim Housing Benefit You're in supported or temporary accommodation If you get Housing Benefit and you're not sure if you live in supported or temporary accommodation, speak to your local council. New @mmhpi research warns that government's planned PIP reforms will have a 'catastrophic impact' on people's finances and mental health, and could drive people out of the workplace. It says "A system which was already doing a poor job of understanding how mental health… — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) June 5, 2025 Reclaiming Housing Benefit Your Housing Benefit will be ending 2 weeks after your deadline date. However, you may be eligible to reclaim Housing Benefit within 3 months if: your Housing Benefit is stopped, and you have not claimed Universal Credit you claimed before your deadline date but were not entitled to Universal Credit you stop receiving Universal Credit You can get advice from your local council about backdating your Housing Benefit claim. Your claim can only be backdated for up to 3 months. Find out more about Housing Benefit eligibility. Claiming Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit You can choose to claim Pension Credit instead of Universal Credit. If your claim to Pension Credit is accepted, you: cannot then apply for Universal Credit will not get Pension Credit transitional protection may receive less financial support Find out more about Pension Credit. You can also use the Pension Credit calculator to work out how much you might get. Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits, and is the gateway to lots of pension age means-tested benefits, such as Winter Fuel Payments, so it's important to claim. What you get if you receive a DWP managed migration notice On Universal Credit, most people are entitled to the same amount they received from their previous benefits, or more. Your Universal Credit payment is made up of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply to you, for example if you: have children need help paying your rent have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working If you have a disability or health condition which means you get a disability benefit, you may get an extra amount of Universal Credit. You do not need to provide a fit note or have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Removal of the benefit cap The benefit cap is normally applied to Universal Credit and other benefits. This is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can get. However, the benefit cap does not apply if: you're State Pension age you're still working you received a Migration Notice letter If the amount you were entitled to on tax credits was more than you get on Universal Credit, you get a top up. It's paid to you automatically if you got a Migration Notice letter and made a Universal Credit claim by your deadline date.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of families on Universal Credit can claim £1,000 summer cost of living cash now – check if you qualify
Scroll to see if your area is on the list CASH IN Millions of families on Universal Credit can claim £1,000 summer cost of living cash now – check if you qualify Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of hard-up families can tap into financial help worth hundreds of pounds to ease the burden of extra costs over the summer holidays. Every council in England has cash to dole out to support residents who are struggling to afford essentials with the government's Household Support Fund. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 You could get hundreds of pounds in support to help with the cost of living Credit: Alamy The £742million scheme hands councils up and down the country to give households in need. Each local authority gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and number of vulnerable households. The voucher or grant amounts vary by location, so you must check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you. There are different criteria for applications too. But often councils specify that you will need to be in receipt of benefits such as Universal Credit. The type of help available varies by area and may include cash payments, food vouchers, or help with energy bills. Residents are advised to check their local council's website or social media for updates. Many councils have dedicated Household Support Fund pages with details on how to apply. Here ares some of the schemes currently open and accepting appilcations from those on Universal Credit.. Birmingham Hard-up households in Birmingham can get up to £200 payments through the latest round of the fund. Applications are opening at some point in June so keep an eye on the council website. Those who have not received a payment from the council in the past 12 months will qualify for this round. The money is intended to help with energy, grocery and water costs. Calderdale Residents in Calderdale in need can get a up to two awards for £85 each: One between now and 30th September 2025, and; One between 1st October 2025 and 31st March 2026. Anyone can apply including those on Universal Credit online at the council website. But you'll need to provide your last two bank statements for yourself and your partner for all accounts held to get the payments. You'll also need to be liable for paying council tax in the area. Cheshire West Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200 for those eligible. Support ranges from vouchers to put towards food costs to cash for energy bills and help with other essentials. It will be available to residents receiving either housing benefit or a council tax reduction which is accessible to those on a low income or benefits including Universal Credit. You can apply through its online portal for cost of living support. But, you can only make one application in a six month period and applications must be made per household, so partners cannot submit two separate claims. Doncaster The city council will be providing one-off payments worth up to £300 to residents on selected benefits, including Universal Credit. You'll also be eligible if you receive: Housing benefit Local Council Tax Reduction Means-tested free school meals. As part of the support, families can get £100 vouchers towards the cost of food if they have one dependent child. Households with two dependent children will get £200, while families with three or more will get £300. Other eligible households - including those without children - can get £100 towards the cost of energy bills. Households that haven't received a payment previously will need to submit an application. You can do that using the link here. Hull Eligible pensioners will be given £200 to help them out after the Government made cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment. Low income families will also be eligible for a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meal Hull City Council has not yet opened applications for payments, but updates will be posted on the council's website. Leeds Struggling families in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. All claimants must be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits including Universal Credit can get money off the bill. The council said those who are eligible for the support will receive the payment in the autumn and winter. A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set. So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application. You can find out more by vising North Somerset North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. This will be automatically given to families eligible for free school meals. The council is also distributing £50 food vouchers to support other vulnerable residents, including: Those on council tax reduction (CTR) which can be accessed through those on benefits including UC Pensioners People with severe mental impairments Care leavers Housing benefit claimants not already receiving CTR. Portsmouth Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship and struggling to afford essentials, can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000 as part of the Household Support Fund. Those on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don't need to be. However the city is closing applications in just days on June 12 so you'll need to move quickly. You'll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts. You also need to tell what you've done to improve your financial situation and why you need help. The exact amount you receive depends on household size -the maximum amount is for six or more of £800. Whereas one person gets £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people £600, and five people £700. Households deemed to be in the highest level of need can be awarded a further £200 taking the total payment up to £1,000. Apply online at the Portsmouth city council website. Reading Thousands of residents in Reading are in line to receive £125 vouchers in the coming weeks. Households containing children eligible for free school meals are eligible. Care levers will also be receiving a voucher payment of £125. For most care leavers this voucher will be sent to them by the Post Office, with some others being provided directly by the Leaving Care Team. Vouchers will be sent in July and December 2025 and will need to be cashed by the end of September 2025, and January 2026. Redcar & Cleveland Households in Redcar & Cleveland can now apply for support worth up to £230. How much you can get depends on different factors such as whether you have children or not. For example, if you are household without children receiving Council Tax Support you will receive a payment of £116. And if you have one or more dependent children in your household and claiming the support you will receive £230. Those with children who don't receive Council Tax Support but have a low household income and are financially struggling will also receive £230. Worcestershire Families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. You'll need to be below earning limits as follows: £24,570 or less (for a single adult with no children) £31,000 or less (for all other households) You must also have no savings, unless you're of state pension age – in which case you can have up to £5,000. You can be on Universal Credit but at least one person in your household must meet ONE of the following: Be of state pension age Have a long-term diagnosed health condition or be registered disabled Have a child under four Be in receipt of DWP benefits like Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, PIP or Disability Living Allowance Be receiving support from services such as food banks, Citizens Advice, Age UK, mental health or housing support, or your GP's social prescribing team Windsor and Maidenhead Households in the Royal borough can get payments of up to £150 to ease pressures. However, the council isn't accepting applications directly instead you'll need to contact its partners. The overarching partner is Citizens Advice East Berkshire (CAEB) and should be the first port of call for residents needing support. What if my area isn't on the list? Some councils have very limited application windows for support. If you don't see your council on the list, visit their website and look for information on the Household Support Fund. If there is a date that applications open, make a calendar note and apply as soon as it opens. Some councils will close for applications as soon as cash is distributed - in some cases this can be on the very same day that applications open. Other councils automatically give cash to those in receipt of certain benefits such as free school meals or coucil tax support. Check the Household Support Fund pages on your local council website to find details of what's on offer and how to apply. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Millions of families on Universal Credit can claim £1,000 summer cost of living cash now – check if you qualify
MILLIONS of hard-up families can tap into financial help worth hundreds of pounds to ease the burden of extra costs over the summer holidays. Every council in England has cash to dole out to support residents who are struggling to afford essentials with the government's Household Support Fund. 1 The £742million scheme hands councils up and down the country to give households in need. Each local authority gets a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and number of vulnerable households. The voucher or grant amounts vary by location, so you must check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you. There are different criteria for applications too. But often councils specify that you will need to be in receipt of benefits such as Universal Credit. The type of help available varies by area and may include cash payments, food vouchers, or help with energy bills. Residents are advised to check their local council's website or social media for updates. Many councils have dedicated Household Support Fund pages with details on how to apply. Here ares some of the schemes currently open and accepting appilcations from those on Universal Credit.. Birmingham Hard-up households in Birmingham can get up to £200 payments through the latest round of the fund. Applications are opening at some point in June so keep an eye on the council website. Those who have not received a payment from the council in the past 12 months will qualify for this round. The money is intended to help with energy, grocery and water costs. Calderdale Residents in Calderdale in need can get a up to two awards for £85 each: One between now and 30th September 2025, and; One between 1st October 2025 and 31st March 2026. Anyone can apply including those on Universal Credit online at the council website. But you'll need to provide your last two bank statements for yourself and your partner for all accounts held to get the payments. You'll also need to be liable for paying council tax in the area. Cheshire West Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200 for those eligible. Support ranges from vouchers to put towards food costs to cash for energy bills and help with other essentials. It will be available to residents receiving either housing benefit or a council tax reduction which is accessible to those on a low income or benefits including Universal Credit. You can apply through its online portal for cost of living support. But, you can only make one application in a six month period and applications must be made per household, so partners cannot submit two separate claims. Doncaster The city council will be providing one-off payments worth up to £300 to residents on selected benefits, including Universal Credit. You'll also be eligible if you receive: Housing benefit Local Council Tax Reduction Means-tested free school meals. As part of the support, families can get £100 vouchers towards the cost of food if they have one dependent child. Households with two dependent children will get £200, while families with three or more will get £300. Other eligible households - including those without children - can get £100 towards the cost of energy bills. Households that haven't received a payment previously will need to submit an application. You can do that using the link here. Hull Eligible pensioners will be given £200 to help them out after the Government made cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment. Low income families will also be eligible for a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meal Hull City Council has not yet opened applications for payments, but updates will be posted on the council's website. Leeds Struggling families in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. All claimants must be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits including Universal Credit can get money off the bill. The council said those who are eligible for the support will receive the payment in the autumn and winter. A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set. So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application. You can find out more by vising North Somerset North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. This will be automatically given to families eligible for free school meals. The council is also distributing £50 food vouchers to support other vulnerable residents, including: Those on council tax reduction (CTR) which can be accessed through those on benefits including UC Pensioners People with severe mental impairments Care leavers Housing benefit claimants not already receiving CTR. Portsmouth Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship and struggling to afford essentials, can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000 as part of the Household Support Fund. Those on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don't need to be. However the city is closing applications in just days on June 12 so you'll need to move quickly. You'll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts. You also need to tell what you've done to improve your financial situation and why you need help. The exact amount you receive depends on household size -the maximum amount is for six or more of £800. Whereas one person gets £350, two people £420, three people £500, four people £600, and five people £700. Households deemed to be in the highest level of need can be awarded a further £200 taking the total payment up to £1,000. Apply online at the Portsmouth city council website. Thousands of residents in Reading are in line to receive £125 vouchers in the coming weeks. Households containing children eligible for free school meals are eligible. Care levers will also be receiving a voucher payment of £125. For most care leavers this voucher will be sent to them by the Post Office, with some others being provided directly by the Leaving Care Team. Vouchers will be sent in July and December 2025 and will need to be cashed by the end of September 2025, and January 2026. Redcar & Cleveland Households in Redcar & Cleveland can now apply for support worth up to £230. How much you can get depends on different factors such as whether you have children or not. For example, if you are household without children receiving Council Tax Support you will receive a payment of £116. And if you have one or more dependent children in your household and claiming the support you will receive £230. Those with children who don't receive Council Tax Support but have a low household income and are financially struggling will also receive £230. Families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. You'll need to be below earning limits as follows: £24,570 or less (for a single adult with no children) £31,000 or less (for all other households) You must also have no savings, unless you're of state pension age – in which case you can have up to £5,000. You can be on Universal Credit but at least one person in your household must meet ONE of the following: Be of state pension age Have a long-term diagnosed health condition or be registered disabled Have a child under four Be in receipt of DWP benefits like Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, PIP or Disability Living Allowance Be receiving support from services such as food banks, Citizens Advice, Age UK, mental health or housing support, or your GP's social prescribing team Windsor and Maidenhead Households in the Royal borough can get payments of up to £150 to ease pressures. However, the council isn't accepting applications directly instead you'll need to contact its partners. The overarching partner is Citizens Advice East Berkshire (CAEB) and should be the first port of call for residents needing support. What if my area isn't on the list? Some councils have very limited application windows for support. If you don't see your council on the list, visit their website and look for information on the Household Support Fund. If there is a date that applications open, make a calendar note and apply as soon as it opens. Some councils will close for applications as soon as cash is distributed - in some cases this can be on the very same day that applications open. Other councils automatically give cash to those in receipt of certain benefits such as free school meals or coucil tax support. Check the Household Support Fund pages on your local council website to find details of what's on offer and how to apply. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
