Skip to main content
Or press enter to confirm
Try searching for:
News
Money Advice
Events
Repairs
Search results for '':
Read more

 

What is Universal Credit?  

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment from the government to help with living costs. It replaces several older benefits, making it simpler to manage. 

What is Universal Credit Migration?  

Since 2019, the government has been moving people from older benefits to Universal Credit. This is called migration. There are two types: 

  • Natural Migration: This is when you’re automatically moved over to Universal Credit if your circumstances change (e.g., job loss, new home). 
  • Managed Migration: This is when the government contacts you to move over to Universal Credit, even if your circumstances haven’t changed. 

What Does This Mean for You?  

If you’re a Cardiff Community Housing Association tenant on benefits, you’ll be moved to Universal Credit. This means: 

  • Monthly payments: You’ll be paid Universal Credit monthly instead of receiving weekly or bi-weekly payments. 
  • Housing costs: You will need to pay your rent on time, directly from your Universal Credit. If you are worried about this, we can help you. We can apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) which means your Universal Credit housing cost will be paid directly to CCHA on your behalf. 
  • Payment changes: Your Universal Credit amount might be different. You may get extra money (transitional protection) to help adjust. 

Transitional Protection  

This is extra money to stop your income from dropping when you move to Universal Credit. It’s temporary and will stop when your circumstances change or your Universal Credit increases. 

 Advance Payments  

If you need money while waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, you can ask for an advance. This is a loan provided by the Department for Work and Pensions that you’ll repay through your Universal Credit. Since Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, it can take up to five weeks for a claimant to receive their first payment. The advance is designed to help bridge this gap. 

It’s important to remember that if you get an advance, you’ll get less Universal Credit each month until it has been paid back. Look for other ways to get money before taking an advance. An advance can help if you need money quickly, but it’s important to plan your budget and know how much you’ll need to repay. 

 

What to do when moving to Universal Credit 

  • Read letters carefully: When you receive a letter or notice from the Department for Work and Pensions about moving to Universal Credit, read it all. It will contain important information about deadlines and the steps you need to take. 
  • Apply on time: Once you receive the notice, you’ll need to apply for Universal Credit online by the deadline provided. Applying promptly will help avoid any gaps in your payments. 
  • Gather your papers: Get ready your National Insurance number, proof of income, rent details, savings information, and any childcare costs. Having these documents ready will make your application process smoother. 
  • Check if you can get extra money: If you find that your new Universal Credit amount is lower than your old benefits, see if you can get extra money (Transitional Protection) to help during the transition. 
  • Tell them if things change: Let them know if you move, change jobs, or anything else changes.  This can affect your payments and your eligibility for Transitional Protection. 
  • Ask for help: If you don’t understand, ask Cardiff Community Housing Association, a local advice centre, or your Jobcentre. 

 

Things to avoid when moving to Universal Credit 

  • Don’t apply early: Wait for a letter from the government before applying for Universal Credit. Applying too soon could cause problems. 
  • Don’t ignore letters: Read all letters from the government carefully and follow the instructions. 
  • Don’t miss deadlines: Make sure to apply for Universal Credit before the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you might lose your benefits. 
  • Don’t expect the same money: Your payments might change. You might get less or more money. If your payment is less, check if you qualify for Transitional Protection. 
  • Don’t forget about budgeting: Universal Credit is paid monthly, not weekly. You might need to adjust your budgeting. 
  • Don’t forget to pay rent: You’ll need to pay your rent directly to your landlord. If you are worried about this, we can help you. We can apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) which means your Universal Credit housing cost will be paid directly to CCHA on your behalf. 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask: If you don’t understand something, ask for help.

Where can I get support? 

Cardiff Community Housing Association is here to help you through this transition. If you have any questions or concerns about Universal Credit or the migration process, you can: 

  • Contact our team: Our staff are trained to support you and can help you understand what Universal Credit migration means for you. They can also assist with your application and make sure you have all the information you need. Please contact your Money Solutions Officer or call our Neighbourhood Assistant Team on 029 2046 8490.  
  • Get in-person support: If you prefer face-to-face support, there are local advice centres and Jobcentres where you can get help with your application and understanding your benefits. 

We have also developed our own CCHA UC Helper, to walk you through the process of making your claim: UNIVERSAL CREDIT SUPPORT (uc-helper.co.uk) 

Final Thoughts 

Universal Credit migration is a significant change, but with the right preparation and support, you can manage the transition smoothly. Cardiff Community Housing Association is committed to helping you every step of the way, ensuring that you understand the process and feel confident about your financial future. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—we’re here for you! 

Money and Benefits Support and Advice