Managed Migration

It's vitally important that, if you haven't already, you immediately start thinking about how Universal Credit (UC) will affect you and your family.

That's because the DWP are now increasing the volume of people moving from their existing benefits and tax credits. When you claim UC, your existing benefits and tax credits, including Hosing Benefit, will stop.

So how ready are you?

Are you either of working age and claiming one of the below; or part of a 'mixed age couple' where one of you is of working age and the other is of pension age, and claiming one of the following?

• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

If your answer is 'yes', then you will soon be required to claim UC in place of any of the above.

For an idea of when this could be, we've included this helpful timeline:

There are three ways in which you will move to UC:

• If your circumstances change, you will be directed to apply for UC
• If you receive a Managed Migration Notice (see the previous page)
• If you decide to move to UC ahead of receiving your Managed Migration Notice

If you haven’t had a change of circumstances and/or haven’t received your Managed Migration Notice then we recommend that you do not apply for UC until you have taken advice.

You should know that, if you are of pension age or are part of a couple who are both of pension age, and you currently claim Housing Benefit, then you will remain on Housing Benefit and will not move to UC.

However, if you are of pension age and claim Tax Credits, you may be asked to move to UC and will need to take advice on this.

We've created this handy checklist for you to go through to make sure you are ready for the switch to Universal Credit.

• Have you received a Managed Migration Notice?

  Get advice from a Benefits Advisor before you make your claim to work out the best way to maximise your UC income. Make sure you claim before the deadline date on your Notice – if you need more time, you can request an extension. If you haven’t received a Notice, do not claim UC unless you have been advised to by a Benefits Advisor.

• Have you got access to the internet - and do you know how to use it?
  You’ll be expected to claim and manage your UC claim online. You will need an email address in order to set this up. Do you have a family member or close friend who can help you?

• Are you self employed?
  The rules around self-employed people claiming UC can be complex. We recommend taking advice before you claim.

• Are you disabled/ do you have a mental or physical health condition that limits your ability to work?
  If you are entitled to Income- Related/Contributory/New-Style ESA, or National Insurance Credits for LCW, then your Limited Capability for Work decision will be transferred to your UC claim. If not, you will not be entitled to a disability related element in your UC claim unless you submit Fit Notes and request a Work Capability Assessment.

• Are the names on your Tenancy Agreement still accurate to who is living in the property?
  If an ex-partner is still named on your Tenancy Agreement then you will need to make arrangements to remove them ASAP. If your Tenancy Agreement is held in wrong names, it may have a negative impact on your claim for UC and it may cause a delay in you receiving your full entitlement of the Housing Cost Element.

• Are you concerned about how you will plan your budget around your monthly UC payment?
  Housing Costs are not paid separately like Housing Benefit and usually all of the UC is paid straight to you - so it will be your responsibility to budget and pay your rent from your UC and any other income you may have.
  
  If you believe you will struggle to pay your rent yourself then please get in touch with us NOW. We have a number of Support Advisors and Universal Credit experts who can offer help, advice and support to ensure you can pay your rent.

• Have you got rent arrears?
  If so, talk to your Income Advisor today about how to pay back your arrears.

• Will you be affected by the Benefit Cap on UC?
  Some claimants will not currently be affected by the Benefit Cap but will be when they move onto UC and some will see a bigger deduction taken from their UC, in comparison to existing benefits. If you think you will be affected by the Benefit Cap it is vital you get advice before you claim.

Things you will need to do when you start to claim Universal Credit

• Inform your Income Advisor at Freebridge.
• Set up a direct debit or standing order to ensure your rent is paid on the right day, every month.
• Make sure that you provide your rent and service charges details to UC from the start of your claim.

If you don’t do this, then no Housing Cost Element will be included in your UC payments.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Income Team by calling 03332 404 444, and press option 3 or email income@freebridge.org.uk to talk more about how we can help.

Citizens Advice (Help To Claim)

0800 144 8 444

Relay UK (if you can't hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say): 18001 then 0800 144 8 444

Website: ncab.org.uk

Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline

0800 169 0328

Relay UK (call): 18001 then 0800 169 0328

(Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)

0800 phone numbers are free to call from mobiles and landlines.

Universal Credit Helpline (Department for Work and Pensions (DWP))

0800 328 5644

(Textphone) 0800 328 1344

(Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)

Website: gov.uk/universal-credit

Freebridge Income Team

03332 404 444 – Option 3

income@freebridge.org.uk