Moving to Universal Credit from other benefits
4. Changes in your circumstances (natural migration)
If you are currently getting one or more legacy benefits and you have certain changes in your circumstances, you will need to claim Universal Credit, instead of claiming a new legacy benefit.
Examples of changes which can lead to natural migration:
- Starting to rent somewhere
- Starting or stopping work
- Increasing or reducing the number of hours you work
- Having a new child
- Separating from a partner
- A partner joins your household
- Becoming sick and unable to work
- Becoming a carer
If you do not apply for Universal Credit some or all of your legacy benefits will end.
Not all changes of circumstance will trigger natural migration, so it is important to get advice first if possible.
When to claim
If you have been told that you have to claim Universal Credit instead of making a new claim for a legacy benefit, you should claim as soon as your legacy benefit ends.
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