Universal credit: Managed migration roll-out schedule

In Great Britain, DWP began the formal migration exercise on a small scale and test and develop their processes before scaling up.

In the early days of the exercise, we understand DWP have been looking to develop and test their processes and communications with a range of cases but may de-select cases which have certain features where they feel it is appropriate to do so, for example where claimants may be very close to their state pension credit age.

Further areas continue to be selected to join the managed migration exercise and in each area, the number of migration notices issued is also increasing steadily to reach the full-scale exercise.

Rightsnet helpfully produce an overview of the managed migration roll-out areas, as announced by DWP.

On 10 January 2023, DWP published an update about their findings from the early discovery phase of their managed migration work and further detailed information about their overall time table to complete the move to UC for people of working age.

The latest time table applies to people who have not reached their state pension age (both, in a joint claim).

Tax credit only claimants (ie those claiming tax credits but no other legacy benefits) will be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2023.By the end of the 2023/24 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

Tax credit claimants who also claim any of the other legacy benefits will be selected for the managed migration during 2024. By the end of the 2024/25 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

People claiming other legacy benefits, but not ESA, will also be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2024. By the end of the 2024/25 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

People claiming ESA only or ESA + another legacy benefit (but not tax credits), will be selected for the managed migration exercise during 2028. By the end of the 2028/29 tax year, most will have migrated to UC.

Last reviewed/updated 10 October 2023