Step 1: Receive your Migration Notice
If you have received a Migration Notice, then your Tax Credits award will be ending soon – the date is in this Notice.
Step 2: Get advice
There’s lots to consider, so you are best seeking advice from a Benefits Adviser.
They can chat through:
- the best time for you to make your claim for Universal Credit (see Is there a best time to claim? for more information),
- whether you might be entitled to some Transitional Protection (see Transitional Protection for more information),
- how to make a successful claim (see Making a successful claim for more information), and
- any new responsibilities you are likely to have in particular your claimant commitment (see What is the claimant commitment for more information).
Step 3: Get ready to claim
It is essential that you make a successful claim for Universal Credit. So knowing what’s involved and gathering all the information and evidence needed is important. (See Making a successful claim for more information).
Step 4: Make a successful claim at the right time
When you have decided the best time to claim and have everything prepared to make a successful claim, then it’s time to go online and make the claim (see Making a claim for more information).
If you are going to struggle, help is available (see I Need Help for more information).
Step 5: First payment of Universal Credit
You’ll receive your first payment of Universal Credit around 5 weeks after you make your claim (see Getting Paid for more information).
Check that it is correct – mistakes can be made and it is better to spot these early on (see How Much for more information).
If you will find it difficult to manage whilst waiting for that first payment, think about requesting an Advance Payment (see Can I get an Advance Payment? for more information).
Step 6: Managing your ongoing Universal Credit award
If you have made an online claim for Universal Credit, then you will manage this online too. Login regularly to see if you have any ’to-dos’, report any changes, report childcare payments and check your Universal Credit payment statements. Watch for texts (and emails) too and make sure you respond to these promptly (see Your UC Account for more details).