‘Move to UC’ begins for Income Support recipients
Date published:
The next stage of the ‘Move to Universal Credit (UC)’ has begun for those in receipt of Income Support.
The ‘Move to UC’ involves moving those who are still in receipt of legacy benefits and Tax Credits to Universal Credit.
Having reached the final stages of Tax Credits migration, the Department for Communities has started issuing Migration Notice letters to people who receive Income Support, asking them to make a UC claim.
Those receiving a Migration Notice will have three months from the date of their letter to make a claim to UC.
People do not need to take any action unless they have received a Migration Notice letter from the Department for Communities.
The migration process for remaining legacy benefits such as Housing Benefit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance will begin throughout the year.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons encouraged everyone who receives a Migration Notice to take the appropriate action.
Minister Lyons said:
“If you have received a Migration Notice it is important that you make a claim to Universal Credit.
“To ensure that everyone receives the financial support they are entitled to, staff in my Department are available to provide help through a dedicated telephony team and face-to-face support at local Jobs and Benefits offices.
“Online information is also available on the nidirect website and from independent welfare advice organisations like Advice NI.”
Universal Credit has been in place in Northern Ireland since September 2017, replacing new claims to Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income-Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related), Housing Benefit (rental) and tax credits.
A non-repayable two-week run-on payment is made for Income Support, Housing Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance (Income-Based) and Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related) claimants who move to Universal Credit.
Support and advice on the Move to UC is available via:
- A dedicated UC telephony team on 0800 012 1331
- Information online at nidirect
- Local Jobs and Benefits offices
Independent advice on Universal Credit and welfare changes is also available by contacting:
- Advice NI: 0800 915 4604
- Housing Rights
- Money Helper
Notes to editors:
1: Scheduled dates for the migration of remaining legacy benefits are as follows:
From February 2025 people claiming Income Support
From March 2025 people claiming Housing Benefit
From April 2025 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (Income-Based)
From May 2025 people claiming Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related)
These dates may be subject to change.
2. Quarterly Universal Credit Statistics were released on 27 November 2024 and can be found on the Departmental website.
3. Universal Credit is a working age payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, along with financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.
4. UC is being implemented here in line with the policy agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.
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