Tax Credits → Universal Credit Migration Checker
How it works
'Managed migration' is the DWP's process of moving everyone off Tax Credits, Income Support, JSA(IB), ESA(IR) and Housing Benefit onto Universal Credit. You receive a Migration Notice telling you to claim UC by a specific deadline (3 months, extendable for good reason).
Transitional Protection: if your UC entitlement would be less than your legacy benefits, you get a Transitional Element to make up the gap — but only if you claim during managed migration. Voluntary claims don't qualify.
Worked example
The Patels were getting £950/month in Working Tax Credits + Child Tax Credits. Their UC calculation comes to £820/month.
- UC: £820
- + Transitional Element: £130
- Total: £950 — no income drop on migration
If they'd claimed UC voluntarily before their notice, they'd have lost £130/month immediately.
Who should use this
- •People still on Tax Credits, Income Support, ESA(IR), JSA(IB) or HB
- •Recipients of Migration Notices unsure what to do
- •Anyone considering claiming UC voluntarily
Common mistakes
- ×Ignoring the Migration Notice — you lose all benefits if you miss the deadline
- ×Claiming UC voluntarily — losing Transitional Protection forever
- ×Not getting a benefits check first
- ×Forgetting that capital over £16k bars UC after the 12-month grace period
Frequently asked questions
When does my Tax Credits stop?▾
On the day before your UC claim starts, or on the deadline date if you don't claim.
Will I be worse off on UC?▾
If you claim during managed migration with a Migration Notice, Transitional Protection prevents an immediate drop. Long-term, UC may be less generous as TP erodes.
What if I miss the deadline?▾
Your Tax Credits stop and you can still claim UC, but you lose Transitional Protection.
Can I appeal a Migration Notice?▾
No — but you can request an extension if you have a good reason (illness, vulnerability).
Do I have to claim UC if I'm on Tax Credits?▾
Eventually yes — Tax Credits ended on 5 April 2025.
What about Pension Credit?▾
Mixed-age couples and those of working age go to UC. Pension-age couples on legacy benefits go to Pension Credit, not UC.