Moving from ESA to Universal Credit

Chris83

I was just wondering if someone could help me on what's the best way to move from ESA(WRAG) to Universal Credit as i'm probably going to have to apply for housing benefits shortly. I was under the impression that if my claim for ESA started pre 2017 i would receive protection when transferring over to UC and basically remain on the same money I'm on at the moment. Yet when i was on the phone to Citizens advice they told me this wouldn't be the case?

poppy123456

Transitional protection only applies to those transferring through managed migration. Unless your ESA includes the Severe Disability Premium and then you’ll be entitled to SDP Transitional Protection. 

If you need to claim for help with any rent, for the first time then you won’t be able to claim housing benefit unless you’ll be living in either supported or temporary housing. Help with the rent will be through UC known as housing element. Two completely different benefits. 

Citizens Advice have given very poor advice here. As your ESA claim started before April 2017 then you will be entitled to the LCW element from the start of your claim. 

It may take a few weeks for UC to update your claim because ESA need to transfer your details across. 

Your ESA will continue for 2 weeks once you claim UC. You shouldn’t claim UC until you move into the property.