Guides › Public Services › Got a Migration Notice? Moving to Universal Credit Before the Deadline
Got A Migration Notice? Moving to Universal Credit Before the Deadline
If you get a migration notice, you need to claim Universal Credit by the deadline in the letter to keep your support. You can ask DWP for more time, but only before the deadline. If you miss it, you can still claim up to a month after the deadline and keep transitional protection, a top-up if Universal Credit would be lower. Your old benefits stop 2 weeks after you claim.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Moving to Universal Credit
Claim by the Deadline
Claim Universal Credit by the deadline on your letter. If you need more time, ask DWP before the original deadline. source
If You Miss It
You can still get transitional protection if you claim up to a month after the deadline on your letter (the final deadline). If you claim later, you can still get Universal Credit, but not transitional protection. source
Run-On and Top-Up
Your old benefits stop 2 weeks after you claim. You get those 2 weeks of extra payments if still eligible, and you do not pay them back. If Universal Credit would be lower than your old benefits, you may get a transitional element to make up the difference, which reduces over time. source
First Payment
It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first Universal Credit payment, so claim as soon as you can. You can ask for an advance while you wait. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Letter dateClaim Universal CreditBy the deadline on your migration notice
- 1 monthFinal deadlineAfter the letter deadline, to keep transitional protection
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Note the deadline on your letter.
Step 2 of 5
Gather ID, bank details, rent, income and savings details.
Step 3 of 5
Claim Universal Credit online before the deadline.
Step 4 of 5
If you need more time, ask before the deadline.
Step 5 of 5
Ask for an advance if you cannot manage for 5 weeks.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Help to Claim
Citizens Advice runs a free service to help you make your Universal Credit claim.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not wait for the deadline: claiming early gives time to sort out any problems.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/moving-from-other-benefits/if-youve-got-a-migration-notice Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/universal-credit/how-youre-paid Checked 15 October 2026