There are six old-style and working age means-tested benefits that are being rolled into one benefit, called Universal Credit.

For people that are in receipt of the old-style benefits, the government is gradually moving them over (in other words, Managed Migration) to Universal Credit.

The old-style benefits are:

• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credits
• Working Tax Credits
• Housing Benefit

What does this mean for someone who is in reciept of old-style benefits?

When this applies to a resident, they will receive a letter inviting them to claim Universal Credit. Do not ignore the letter otherwise the old-style benefits being claimed will stop. A recipient will normally have a deadline of 3 months to do this, starting from the date on the letter.

If the resident goes through the managed migration process and their income decreases, they may be entitled to a type of Universal Credit top up, called 'transitional protection'.

If there is a change of circumstances for the resident, it could trigger a move from the old-style benefits to Universal Credit.

The move to Universal Credit may mean the amount received increases or decreases. As part of these changes, any new claim for means-tested benefits, or benefits to help pay rent or for day to day living costs will mean claiming Universal Credit.

Some people may be able to claim "contributory benefits", either instead of, or, alongside Universal Credit. Contributory benefits are the: New style Jobseekers allowance and the new style Employment and support allowance.

Download an Easy Read leaflet on Managed Migration and Universal Credit.