From April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions is writing to some people who receive Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credits and ChildTax Credits to let them know that they need to claim Universal Credit instead, to ensure they still continue receiving financial support. This letter is called a ‘Migration Notice’. You do not need to take any action until you receive your Migration Notice letter, however when you do, it’s important you check the date that you will need to claim by as you won’t be moved automatically. Please don’t ignore your letter as it explains what you need to do next. It also provides information on the help available to prevent you from missing out on financial support from the government.

If you want some help with your Universal Credit application or you’re concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment, there are different types of support available.

A 'mixed age couple' is a couple where only one member is above the qualifying age for Pension Credit.

From 15 May 2019 mixed age couples will no longer be able to choose whether they claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit and/or pension age Housing Benefit. Both members of a couple will have to reach the Pension Credit qualifying age before they can be entitled to Pension Credit and/or pension age Housing Benefit.

The change does not affect mixed age couples who were receiving Pension Credit and/or pension age Housing Benefit immediately before 15 May unless their entitlement to both those benefits ends and they then need to make a new claim.

Those receiving Pension Credit but not pension age Housing Benefit will be able to make a new claim for Housing Benefit after 15 May if they require help with rent costs

You can make your Universal Credit (UC) claim online by visiting the GOV UK website.

If you need help making a claim for Universal Credit:

• Contact the Freephone Universal Credit helpline on:

 Telephone: 0800 328 5644

 Textphone: 0800 328 1344

 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Help to claim

The Citizens Advice Help to claim service helps people make a Universal Credit claim and receive their first full payment on time. It is available online, over the phone and face to face through local Citizens Advice services.

The help covers from starting a claim to receiving your first full payment. They will provide claimants with the help they need. This could include, supporting a claimant to set up a Universal Credit account, work through their claim to-dos, ensure they are providing the right kind of evidence to the DWP and understand what Universal Credit will mean for them.

Please contact your local Citizens Advice for help or call the national Citizens Advice Universal Support Helpline on 0800 144 8444.

If you are helping a friend or family member to claim Universal Credit, there is some useful information here.

Get a bank account

Universal Credit will be paid into a bank, building society or credit union account but not a Post Office card account, make sure you have the right type of account.

A basic bank account

These accounts have most of the features of a current account. They allow you to pay money in and withdraw money but don't allow you to go overdraw.

Having a bank account will help you manage your money and your bills. You can set up a monthly direct debit for your rent and your bills so they are always automatically paid on time. This will help you budget.

Managing your money

It is important that you know your household budget, your income and spending and prepare for any changes coming your way. If you are in danger of losing your home or are getting into debt you should seek advice. For further information, or advice, visit Universal Credit explained or contact Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644.

If you are a Council Tenant and would like help with Personal Budgeting contact Tenancy Support on 01962 848 205 or email Tenancysupport@winchester.gov.uk

MoneyHelper joins up money and pensions guidance to make it quicker and easier to find the right help. MoneyHelper brings together the support and services of three government-backed financial guidance providers: the Money Advice Service, the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.

Click here to find out more.

Get online

You will need to be able to use a computer and the internet to claim Universal Credit as claims are made and managed online. If you need help to get online or want to refresh your computer skills there are courses available in libraries. Click here to see what is available.

If you don't have access to a computer, tablet or broadband at home try your local Jobcentre, library or Winchester City Council City Offices.

You will need an email address to claim Universal Credit.

If you are a Winchester City Council Tenant and require help to set up an email address and claim Universal Credit you should contact Tenancy Support on 01962 848 205.

If you are not a Winchester City Council Tenant and require help to set up an email address and claim Universal Credit you should contact The Citizens Advice Universal Support Helpline on 0800 144 8444.

You can request an advance payment of Universal Credit to help you while you are waiting for your first payment.

The advance payment is a loan that will have to be repaid. Repayments will be deducted from your future Universal Credit payments.

Find out more about Advance Payments here.

Universal Credit may include a payment to help you pay your rent. This payment will be paid as part of your monthly Universal Credit payment. It is your responsibility to pay your landlord.

Universal Credit does not replace Council Tax Reduction, if you need help with your Council Tax costs you must make a separate claim here.