Universal Credit if you’re a ‘mixed age couple’ and get Migration Notice letters
If you’re in a couple where one of you is State Pension age, and you get a Migration Notice, you both need to move to Universal Credit as your benefits have ended or will end soon.
To continue receiving financial support you must claim Universal Credit by your deadline date. If you cannot claim by the deadline date on your letter, contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline . You may be able to get more time to make a claim if you have a good reason. You must request this before the deadline date on your letter.
Fees
Your claim starts on the day you submit it in your account, however it usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment. If you need help with your living costs while you wait for your first payment, you can apply for an advance within your Universal Credit online account . You’ll need to pay back your advance in instalments from your future Universal Credit payments. Find out more about how you’re paid including payment dates, if you live with a partner, and alternative payment arrangements.
Processing time
If you choose not to claim Universal Credit now, your existing benefits will still end. You can claim Universal Credit later, but normal Universal Credit eligibility rules will apply, for example you will not be entitled to transitional protection.
If you’re in a couple where one of you is State Pension age, and you get a Migration Notice, you both need to move to Universal Credit as your benefits have ended or will end soon.