Universal Credit Migration Notice: your deadline explained
A Migration Notice is the letter telling you your old 'legacy' benefits are ending and that you must make a new Universal Credit claim by a deadline to keep getting support. You get at least three months from the date of the notice, and claiming by the deadline is what protects your money through transitional protection.
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A Migration Notice is the letter telling you your old 'legacy' benefits are ending and that you must make a new Universal Credit claim by a deadline to keep getting support. You get at least three months from the date of the notice, and claiming by the deadline is what protects your money through transitional protection.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Written in plain English, checked against gov.uk · Information only, not legal advice
Universal Credit Migration Notice: the essentials
- What it isNotice that your legacy benefits are ending — you must claim UC
- DeadlineAt least 3 months from the date on the notice
- Why the deadline mattersTransitional protection only applies if you claim by it
- Missed it?Claim as soon as possible — you may still be protected within a short window
- StatusManaged migration completed in 2026; notices are now rare
What is a Migration Notice and what must I do?
A Migration Notice is a formal letter from the DWP telling you that your existing benefits — such as tax credits, Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, or Housing Benefit — are ending, and that you must claim Universal Credit instead to keep receiving support. Your old benefits do not transfer automatically; you have to make a fresh UC claim by the deadline stated. The notice includes the date you need to claim by and how to do it.
The three-month deadline and transitional protection
You are given at least three months from the date of the Migration Notice to make your Universal Credit claim, and the deadline can be extended if you have a good reason and ask before it passes. Claiming by the deadline is important because it triggers transitional protection — an extra amount that tops up your UC so you are not worse off at the point of moving, if you would otherwise have been. Miss the deadline and you can lose that protection.
What if I have missed the deadline?
If your deadline has passed, claim Universal Credit as soon as you can — your legacy benefits will have stopped, so the sooner you claim the sooner support resumes. There is usually a short further period (around a month after the deadline) in which a late claim can still qualify for transitional protection, so it is worth acting immediately rather than assuming it is too late. If you are unsure, a free adviser can check whether transitional protection can still apply to your claim.
What happens if you ignore it?
Ignoring a Migration Notice is serious: your legacy benefits end on the deadline whether or not you have claimed Universal Credit, so doing nothing means your income stops. Claiming late can also cost you transitional protection, leaving you permanently worse off than you needed to be. If you have received a notice — or think your benefits have stopped because you missed one — making the UC claim straight away and getting free advice is the priority.
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See what your letter means — freeFrequently asked questions
How long do I have to claim Universal Credit after a Migration Notice?
At least three months from the date on the notice. You can ask for an extension before the deadline if you have a good reason.
What is transitional protection?
It is an extra amount added to your Universal Credit so you are not worse off at the point of moving from legacy benefits — but only if you claim UC by your Migration Notice deadline.
Are Migration Notices still being sent in 2026?
Managed migration was largely completed in 2026 and legacy benefits have ended, so new notices are now rare. If you have one, or think you missed one, claim UC without delay.
Official sources & free help
For the full detail — and free, independent advice — see: