Please find below a copy of the update from DfC outlining the progress of the migration to Universal Credit in NI – The main thing that landlords might need to know about is the following warning in the text:“It is therefore important that people do not take any action until they receive a Migration Notice letter from DfC”
From: Paddy Rooney, Deputy Secretary, Work & Health Group
To: Subscribed Stakeholders
Date: 11 July 2025
Dear Stakeholder,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding Move to UC in Northern Ireland (NI).
Tax Credits Migration
I am pleased to confirm successful completion of the Tax Credits migration by 5 April 2025, as planned. This phase began in October 2023, and its conclusion represents a significant milestone in our migration programme. I would like to thank you for your invaluable support and collaboration in helping us reach this milestone.
Legacy Benefits Migration
As planned, legacy benefits migration commenced in 2025, with Migration Notices being issued as follows:
- February 2025 to people claiming Income Support
- March 2025 to people claiming Housing Benefit
- April 2025 to people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (Income-Based)
- May 2025 to people claiming Employment and Support Allowance (Income-Related)
It is anticipated that migration will be completed by March 2026.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Income-Related Insight
In December, I made you aware that the Department would carry out further Insight to learn more about how we can best support people in receipt of ESA to make a safe transition to UC. The exercise was conducted in early 2025 and insight was obtained from ESA claimants and both internal and external stakeholders.
The findings have been reassuring, confirming the effectiveness of our existing customer journey and the support that the department offers to people migrating to UC. The insight also highlighted opportunities to enhance our awareness campaign, particularly in improving communication channels and messaging for ESA claimants.
Support
We (DfC) will continue to have measures in place to provide the necessary help and support to meet individual needs. A dedicated telephony team remains in place to provide help and support when needed. People can contact the Move to UC Delivery Team on Freephone 0800 012 1331.
In addition, people can contact their local Jobs and Benefits office for help and support. Information will also be available on the nidirect website, at www.nidirect.gov.uk/movetouniversalcredit.
Financial Support
Anyone making a claim to UC following receipt of a Migration Notice letter will have their benefit entitlement protected through Transitional Protection. This means that people who have had no change in their circumstances will not have a reduced entitlement at the point they move to UC.
It is therefore important that people do not take any action until they receive a Migration Notice letter from DfC.
People moving from legacy benefits onto Universal Credit will also be entitled to an additional two-week payment of their legacy benefit, known as a run-on.
In addition, anyone experiencing financial difficulties while waiting on their first UC payment will be signposted to the Universal Credit New Claims Grant (formerly Universal Credit Contingency Fund (UCCF)).
Everyone claiming UC will receive a message through their online journal about the UC New Claim Grant along with a link to the application process.
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your continued input, support and engagement throughout the Move to UC journey.
If you have any queries about Move to UC, please contact us at universalcreditcommunications@communities-ni.gov.uk
Yours sincerely,
Paddy Rooney
Deputy Secretary, Work & Health Group