Contribution based ESA (Support Group) with Housing Benefit - Universal Credit?

Chris_Dee

Hi everyone, I've been on CB based ESA (Support Group) and claimed housing benefit for a rented property since the early days of ESA. These are the only benefits I have claimed/received since an accident left me unable to work. I have read conflicting information on if I will placed on the 'managed migration' track to Universal Credit. I'm hoping someone here can give me an answer?

Many thanks,

Chris.

poppy123456

CB based ESA is not part of UC but of course HB is so you will be moved across at some point as part of Managed migration. 

Chris_Dee

poppy123456 said:

CB based ESA is not part of UC but of course HB is so you will be moved across at some point as part of Managed migration. 

Many thanks for your response Poppy. Sorry for the late reply.

I've been looking at moving property since my current landlord bumped the rent up by 32%, but I've been restricting the area to my current borough to avoid triggering a UC assessment. Being as I will be put on Managed migration at some point do you think there is any benefit to re-housing outside my borough and triggering the UC swap now, or should I avoid it until its forced upon me? Many thanks once again.

Chris.

poppy123456

Some people are actually better off financially by claiming UC. If you are then when you do migrate across you will not be entitled to any Transitional Protection anyway. 

If your ESA doesn’t include the Severe Disability Premium then LCWRA for UC pays more than ESA Support Group,

If your ESA includes the SDP then you will be worse off if you claim UC. You will be entitled to SDP Transitional Protection but you will still be worse off. 

Chris_Dee

Thanks again for answering my questions Poppy, and thank you for the time and effort you are giving to those like me who request advice.

Chris.