When’s the best time to apply for Universal Credit (moving end of June)?

JustJem

Hi everyone,

I’m currently on income-related ESA (Support Group) and also get the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) and PIP. I haven’t received a managed migration letter yet.

I’m single, over 25, have no children or partner, and I live alone. I receive the SDP as I meet the criteria for it. I’m also in the middle of doing a mutual exchange, and I’ll be moving out of the local authority where I currently live — ideally around the end of June 2025, though I don’t have a confirmed moving date yet. Because of the move, I’ll have to switch to Universal Credit through natural migration.

My benefit payment dates are:

• ESA: 12th May, 26th May, 9th June, 23rd June (last before the move), and 7th July
• PIP: 13th May, 10th June, and 8th July

I know that switching to UC without a migration letter means I’ll lose the SDP and transitional protection, but I want to avoid a gap in income or issues with rent when I move.

I’m planning to save what I can from May and June’s payments to help cover bills in July, and I’ll be applying for a UC advance as soon as I submit the claim.

Would it be okay to wait until the 7th of July to apply for Universal Credit, and in the meantime pay two weeks’ rent upfront to the new council so there’s no delay in covering my housing costs? I know I legally have to report the move to DWP within 30 days, and I really want to make sure I do everything right and don’t get into trouble.

I’ll also be paying off rent arrears to my current landlord before I move, so that’s already in hand. I’m just looking for some advice or reassurance about the best timing for the UC claim — especially as I’m autistic and trying to manage all this is quite overwhelming.

Thanks so much for reading – any advice or shared experience would really help 😊

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Transitional Protection is now available to people moving through natural migration as well. But in that case it is a fixed amount, and is less than you would get if you can wait for managed migration. I appreciate you may not be able to wait that long in your current circumstances.

Without knowing the moving date, it's difficult to say whether you should wait until after the July 7th payment. The only problem you might get there is an overpayment of Housing Benefit, which would have been paid for your previous property. But you won't get the Housing Element of UC for your new property until you start the UC claim. So you may end up losing 2 weeks of rent for example. Generally I would advise starting the UC claim on the day that you move, but I do understand there are a few variables in this case.

If you are overpaid Housing Benefit, they will just send you a letter to reclaim it. Nothing bad will happen.

JustJem

How would I get transitional protection through natural migration—does it apply automatically, or do I need to request it when I make the Universal Credit claim?

Kimi87

It should automatically apply once ESA confirm your award with UC.

Sometimes it is missing from your first statement, in which case you'd flag this up with them to sort out.

JustJem

Sorry I'm feeling really overwhelmed, can you explain all of this further? Due to my autism I shut down.

JustJem

Poppy normally helps, so I'm just in the dark with this now.

Kimi87

Poppy is taking a break from the forum.

When you apply for UC, ESA confirm your previous award with them.

For natural migration you will receive Severe Disability Premium Transitional Protection- which will be for a fixed amount.

You do not need to apply for SDP Transitional Protection.

Sometimes the first payment statement is incorrect. So if it's not on your first payment statement, then you ask UC for it to be added.