Important Update: Universal Credit is Replacing Older Benefits

The government is moving everyone from older benefits (called ‘legacy benefits’) to Universal Credit (UC). This process is called Managed Migration and is now happening more quickly.

If you are on:

• Working Tax Credit

• Child Tax Credit

These benefits have now ended.

People on these benefits will move to Universal Credit (UC):

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Housing Benefit

• 
  

You will get a letter called a Migration Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This letter will tell you:

• When to apply for Universal Credit

• How to apply

• A deadline (date) to apply by

Please wait for this letter. Do not apply before you get it.

Once you get the letter, you must apply before the deadline.

If you do not apply by the date in the letter, your current benefits will stop. Many people have already missed the deadline and lost their payments – so please watch out for this letter.

Good news:

 If your Universal Credit payment is less than what you used to get, you will receive extra money (called ‘transitional protection’) to make up the difference. This helps keep your income at the same level.

Universal Credit is paid monthly, and it includes:

• Money for living costs

• Money to help pay your rent

Good News for Milton Keynes Residents

If you live in Milton Keynes and apply for Universal Credit, you don’t need to make a separate online application for help with your Council Tax, in most cases.

• When you apply for UC, you’ll be asked if you want help with your Council Tax bill

•   If you say yes, the DWP will send Milton Keynes Council your income details

•  The council will use this to see if they can reduce your Council Tax

We are Here to Help

Carron and Sandy have already been helping some of our customers through the move to Universal Credit. If you are worried or need support, please get in touch - we are here for you.