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Universal Credit

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 23 March 2026UIN 121530

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps are being taken to ensure those being migrated onto Universal Credit will receive transitional protection.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

The Department is committed to ensuring that all eligible customers moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit receive the Transitional Protection to which they are entitled. Transitional Protection is a safeguard designed to support a smooth financial transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit for those required to move. Customers who make a Universal Credit claim in response to a Migration Notice, and who would otherwise receive a lower award on Universal Credit than they received on their legacy benefit, will receive Transitional Protection. To be eligible for Transitional Protection, customers must claim Universal Credit by the deadline set out in their Migration Notice, or within one month of that deadline (the “grace period”). The Department keeps detailed records of all customers who have been issued with a Migration Notice and their associated deadlines to ensure eligible customers are correctly identified.

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