What is managed migration?
Managed migration is the process by which the DWP is moving people from legacy benefits — such as income-related ESA, Income Support, income-based JSA, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit — to Universal Credit. This is different from "natural migration", which happens when someone on legacy benefits has a change of circumstances that triggers a move to UC. The managed migration process is being carried out in stages across the country. If you are selected for managed migration, you will receive a letter called a "migration notice" from the DWP telling you that you need to claim Universal Credit by a specific deadline, usually within three months. It is essential to respond to this notice and make your UC claim before the deadline, as your legacy benefits will stop at the end of the migration period whether or not you have claimed UC. Managed migration is expected to be largely completed by the end of 2025/26, although the DWP has extended timelines in the past. If you are currently receiving legacy benefits and have not yet received a migration notice, it may arrive in the coming months.
Transitional protection
One of the key features of managed migration is "transitional protection". This is a top-up payment designed to ensure that you do not receive less money immediately after moving to Universal Credit than you were receiving on your legacy benefits, provided your circumstances remain the same. Transitional protection is calculated by comparing the amount you were receiving in legacy benefits with the amount you would receive under Universal Credit. If the UC amount is lower, a transitional element is added to bring your UC payment up to the same level. This transitional element is then gradually eroded over time — it reduces (but does not increase) whenever your UC award increases due to uprating or a change in circumstances that increases your entitlement. It is very important to note that transitional protection is only available through managed migration. If you move to Universal Credit through natural migration — for example, because you move house, form a new couple, or make a new claim — you do not receive transitional protection. This means you could end up with a lower income. If you are on legacy benefits and are considering making a change that would trigger a move to UC, it may be worth seeking advice about the financial implications first.
What to do when you receive a migration notice
If you receive a migration notice, the most important thing is not to ignore it. You will have a deadline — typically three months from the date of the notice — to claim Universal Credit. If you do not claim by the deadline, your legacy benefits will stop and you may lose any transitional protection you would have been entitled to. Before making your UC claim, it can be helpful to use a benefits calculator to estimate what your Universal Credit entitlement may be and whether transitional protection is likely to apply. Gather the information you will need for the claim, including details of your income, savings, housing costs, and any health conditions or disabilities. If you have a health condition and were receiving ESA with the support component, your limited capability for work status may be carried over to Universal Credit without requiring a new Work Capability Assessment. However, it is worth checking this carefully and seeking advice if you are unsure. If you have difficulty claiming online, you can contact the UC helpline for support, and some people may be eligible for assisted digital support or home visits.
Special circumstances and getting advice
Some groups of people may face particular challenges during managed migration. For example, people with severe disabilities who receive the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) on their legacy benefits may find that UC does not have an equivalent payment, although transitional protection should cover this gap initially. People with complex needs, mental health conditions, or limited digital skills may need additional support to navigate the claims process. If you receive a migration notice, or if you are concerned about how the move to UC might affect you, it is worth seeking advice from a welfare rights organisation, Citizens Advice, or a specialist benefits adviser. They can help you understand your specific situation and whether there are any steps you can take to protect your income. There are also circumstances where you can request an extension to the migration deadline — for example, if you are in hospital, experiencing a crisis, or need additional time due to a disability. Contact the DWP as soon as possible if you believe you may need more time.
Related Benefit Pages
Universal Credit
Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.
Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
For people whose health limits their ability to work.
Income Support
For people on a very low income who are not required to sign on as unemployed.
Housing Benefit
Help with rent for people on low income.
Child Tax Credit
Extra money for families with children, based on household income.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
For people actively seeking work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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