Benefit Changes

Universal Credit Managed Migration

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out letters to people on legacy benefits including Employment Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, Housing Benefit and Tax Credits.

People claiming these benefits are being moved to Universal Credit (UC).

If you are in receipt of a legacy benefit and have received a Universal Credit migration notice letter please make sure that you understand:

  • The deadline to migrate to UC will be three months after the date the notice letter was sent
  • Legacy benefits will stop after this deadline
  • You will need to make a claim for Universal Credit by the deadline
  • The timing of the UC claim is important to prevent gaps between claims

There is useful information here Completing the move to Universal Credit – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are on legacy benefit but have not received a letter you do not need to act until you do so.

During the change to UC please:

  • Log Haig Housing as a private landlord on your journal not as a social housing provider
  • Ensure you make DWP aware of any health conditions you have, this incudes mental health and PTSD, as this can impact your entitlement amounts
  • Be aware that UC will be paid monthly (not 4 weekly) and directly to you, so it becomes your responsibility to pay us your rent. If you would like to discuss this please contact our Income Team on 020 8685 5777 (option 2)
  • If the switch to UC leaves you in financial hardship there is an option for an advance payment but this will be deducted from future payments
  • Verification is different for a private landlord claim, you will need a copy of your tenancy agreement and a letter from us. Ask our Income Team for a letter to confirm your rent amount, and a copy of your tenancy agreement if required
  • Declare you are a Service person, or a family member of a Service person

As a Veteran, or family of a Veteran, you have access to the DWP’s Armed Forces Champion; these are trained DWP staff who help current and former Armed Forces Personnel and their families to access Jobcentre Plus services.

Please ensure you note your Armed Forces service on your UC claim

To find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobcentre-plus-services-for-the-armed-forces-and-their-families/armed-forces-enhanced-access-to-jobcentre-plus-services-and-armed-forces-champions.

Our Income Team is here to support you, however you will need to consent to DWP and Haig Housing sharing data – the quickest way of doing this is to provide consent via your online journal.