Wandsworth residents urged to prepare for Universal Credit Migration

The Council has been contacting working-age residents about the changes to Universal Credit from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) with thousands of letters sent, phone calls made and in-person visits carried out. 

However, as many as 1,200 residents may still need to start their new Universal Credit claims. 

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment to help with your living costs and provides support if you are working and on a low income, looking for work or unable to work.  

The following benefits and tax credits are ending and being replaced by Universal Credit, under a single monthly payment:  

• Child Tax Credit 
• Working Tax Credit 
• Housing Benefit 
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

The DWP is writing to most people who receive these benefits to tell them they need to claim Universal Credit instead, to ensure they still receive financial support. This letter is called a ‘Migration Notice’.   

Once you’ve received your Universal Credit Migration Notice letter, you’ll need to make a claim with the DWP for Universal Credit to continue to get financial support. There will be a deadline in your letter. This is three months from the date the letter was sent out, so it’s important you check the date that you will need to claim by as you won’t be moved automatically. 

Please don’t ignore your Migration Notice letter as it explains what you need to do next.   

If you want help with your Universal Credit application or are concerned about managing your income until you receive your first Universal Credit payment, there are different types of support available.  

Residents can find out more about the Universal Credit Migration. 

If you would like further support or advice in claiming Universal Credit, you can contact Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8444.  

Visit the Cost of Living Hub for the latest information on what is available nationally and locally as well as details of the borough’s network of Community Spaces and free support calculator.