Universal Credit if you’re a ‘mixed age couple’ and get Migration Notice letters

Only read this guidance if you’re in a couple where one of you is State Pension age and you get Migration Notice letters 

To continue getting financial support, you must claim Universal Credit by the deadline date in your letter.

If you have not received a Migration Notice letter visit the  Universal Credit guidance.

If you’re in a couple and one person is over State Pension age, you’re known as a ‘mixed age’ couple. State Pension age is 66 for both men and women.

If you’re not in a mixed age couple and receive a Migration Notice letter 

There are different eligibility rules and guidance if you get a Migration Notice letter and you’re: 

Tax credits, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Income Support have ended and been replaced by Universal Credit.

The following benefits are also ending soon: 

Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same. 

Your benefits will end even if you decide not to claim Universal Credit.

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.

To find out how a representative or appointee acting on your behalf can help you, visit Universal Credit consent and disclosure of information.

If you have an appointee who is responsible for making and maintaining your benefit claims, your Migration Notice letter will be sent directly to them. They will need to make the Universal Credit claim for you.

Moving from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

If you’ve been receiving  ESA, you will not need to provide medical evidence such as fit notes, or have a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) if all the following apply: