Universal Credit
If you or your partner are of working age and need to apply for benefit you must apply for Universal Credit.
Working age claimants in receipt of Housing Benefit will be moved onto Universal Credit by the DWP by December 2024.
When you're likely to get your letter
If you live in Powys, are of working age and receive Housing Benefit look out for your Migration Notice letter in the post from the DWP, at some point this year. The table below will give you an indication of when you're likely to receive your letter.
Your current benefit: When you can expect a letter:
Tax credits with Housing Benefit From April 2024
Income Support with Housing Benefit From April 2024
Housing Benefits only From June 2024
Jobseekers Allowance (Income-based) with Housing Benefit From September 2024
Employment and Support Allowance with Housing Benefit From Autumn 2024
The letter will give a deadline date giving you three months to make an application - you are not automatically transferred onto Universal Credit. If you need a time extension because of your personal circumstances or to arrange some advice, you can phone the telephone number on the letter to request more time. Moving to Universal Credit Guide (PDF) [913KB]
If you have received a leaflet that is informing you that you will be invited to migrate shortly, we recommend you wait to receive the letter inviting you to apply for Universal Credit. This is because you may qualify for an additional amount if your tax credits were higher than your Universal Credit will be, this is called a transitional protection.
Other legacy benefits will be migrating to Universal Credit at a later date. Once these are known we will update this webpage.
Some Housing Benefit claimants may be financially better off on Universal Credit.
You could take advantage of this by choosing to apply for Universal Credit sooner if you think it's right for you.
You can check an independent benefits calculator to see if you could be better off on Universal Credit.
If you choose to apply sooner, it's important to get independent advice before you do as you will not be able to go back onto Housing Benefit or any other benefits that Universal Credit replaces
There are some exceptions, who will need to claim Housing Benefit (otherwise known as a legacy benefit):
- if you live in Supported Accommodation
- if you live in Temporary Accomodation
- You are of State Pension Age and not part of a mixed age couple
If you fall within one of the above exceptions, you can still claim Housing Benefit
If you are liable to pay Council Tax you will STILL need to apply for assistance with that through Powys County Council, this is not covered by Universal Credit. Apply for Council Tax Reduction
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