Leaflet about migration from ESA to UC

anxiousmum

I got a leaflet in the post today explaining that tax credits will end and I’ll receive a migration notice. 

Does this mean that I’ll have to be assessed again? Or is this just a simple migration. I seem to be stuck on the word “application” and it’s making me think I have to go through the horrible process of being assessed again. I’ve not had my ESA review yet either and I darent call. 

bg844

There is a mass production of these leaflets being sent out to claimants. To be clear, these are for reference only and any examples given may not be relevant to you. When you apply for UC after receiving the actual Migration Notice, it’ll assess your circumstances as they are at that time. If you are on income-related ESA and in the LCW/Support Group, this status will transfer over to your UC claim from day 1. You may also be eligible for Transitional Protection (an amount that ‘tops-up’ your UC if you are found to be worse off). Any contributions-based ESA will continue, if applicable. PIP is not means-tested and will always remain separate if you receive this. 

mason50

I have also received the leaflet today and so scared if I have to attend an assessment. I get esa and tax’s credits . Does anyone know when we will be contacted to move to UC ? 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

I have also received the leaflet today and so scared if I have to attend an assessment. I get esa and tax’s credits . Does anyone know when we will be contacted to move to UC ? 

It can be anytime from now up to the end of 2024. However, there are more and more people receiving the migration letters in the past few months.

You will not need to go through another work capability assessment if you’re already in a group for ESA. If you’re in the Support Group then you’ll be entitled the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. 

When you receive the letter you will have 3 months to apply for UC. If you don’t apply within this time then your benefits will stop.

If any part of your ESA is contributions based then this will continue but be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

mason50

what is LCWRA please ? Yes I’m in a support group for esa I have been claiming ESA for many years now, and also PIP 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

what is LCWRA please ? Yes I’m in a support group for esa I have been claiming ESA for many years now, and also PIP 

It’s Limited Capability For Work Related Activity. The equivalent of ESA Support Group. 

PIP will continue as normal as it’s not part of UC. 

When you do eventually migrate across there will be Transitional Protection in place when you claim to make sure you’re not any worse off. 

ricky1040

My mum gad an absolute nightmare changing over. But ahe had a change in circumstances also so she basically had to start from scratch. Maybe a migration will be different. 

poppy123456

ricky1040 said:

My mum gad an absolute nightmare changing over. But ahe had a change in circumstances also so she basically had to start from scratch. Maybe a migration will be different. 

When she claimed UC it would have depended on which benefits she was claiming before UC. If she was claiming ESA and in one of the groups then she should have been placed into the relevant group from the start of her claim. 

The same rules apply for natural migration as managed migration, apart from Transitional protection rules. 

mason50

Thank you for your help . I get £450 every 2 weeks ESA will it be the same amount when  I go over to UC please ? So my understanding by what you have said I won’t have to have any assessment in the change over to UC ? Sorry for all the questions 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

Thank you for your help . I get £450 every 2 weeks ESA will it be the same amount when  I go over to UC please ? So my understanding by what you have said I won’t have to have any assessment in the change over to UC ? Sorry for all the questions 

That amount suggests that your ESA includes the SDP. There’s no disability premiums payable when claiming UC. 

As I advised when you claim there will be Transitional Protection in place so you won’t be any worse off. 

Do be aware though that the TP erodes over time so if other elements increase the TP decreases until such a time it will erode completely. 

You will not need to go through another WCA when you claim because you’ll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. 

mason50

Thank you . Hopefully my money should stay the same then . I feel relieved I won’t have to to have another assessment . Could I ask will I lose the TP altogether eventually? So could I be worse off 
Eventually? 

poppy123456

mason50 said:

Could I ask will I lose the TP altogether eventually? So could I be worse off 
Eventually? 

Yes, it erodes over time. This means that when other elements increase (such as the April increases) then TP decreases. Eventually it will completely stop. You won’t be worse off but you won’t be any better off either if other elements increase in the future while the TP still exists. 

mason50

Thank you so much for explaining this to me . 

mason50

When I finally do change over will they put me in the main group or assessment group ? Do you know please ? Or is there other groups ?

poppy123456

As I advised you will be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. This is the same as ESA support Group. 

mason50

Thank you I feel less anxious now 

poppy123456

You’re welcome.