The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published guidance on transitional protection for individuals receiving a Migration Notice letter to move to Universal Credit. This protection is designed to help with the transition, potentially adding a 'transitional element' payment to Universal Credit if the new entitlement is less than previous benefits.
To be eligible for transitional protection, claimants must submit their Universal Credit claim by the deadline specified in their Migration Notice letter. If unable to meet this deadline, individuals are advised to contact the Universal Credit Migration Notice Helpline as soon as possible to request an extension, which may be granted for a good reason.
Transitional protection payments are not permanent. They can decrease or cease if a claimant's Universal Credit entitlement increases, or if there are significant changes in circumstances. Such changes can include alterations to relationship status, having a child, or an increase in housing costs. If earnings reduce Universal Credit to zero for four consecutive assessment periods, transitional protection will also end.