Important: Supporting People Moving to Universal Credit

Some benefits, including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit (UC). This change particularly affects people who are homeless or have no fixed address, and VCSE organisations may be in a position to help.

Key points

• People will receive a Migration Notice letter from DWP – they should not claim UC until they have this letter.
• They must apply by the deadline in the letter to keep their Transitional Protection (to avoid losing income).
• If they haven’t received a letter or need help:
  • Call the free helpline: 0800 169 0328
  • Visit their local Jobcentre Plus
  • Get support from Citizens Advice or another local charity

Why this matters

If people don’t act on their Migration Notice letter, they risk losing benefits. Once someone moves to UC, they cannot return to their old benefits.

How VCSE groups can help

• Share this information with service users.
• Signpost to advice and support services.
• Use the resources at ucmove.campaign.gov.uk/toolkit.