Worried about benefit changes

JustJem

Hello, as everyone is most likely aware about Rishi Sunak's speech about the manage migration being pushed early from originally 2028/2029 to September 2024 onwards.

I'm really worried about being migrated from ESA as I'm in the support group to UC, and then having to pay bills and rent etc.

I am also worried about the changes to PIP, surely its against human rights and the government shouldn't be implementing us having vouchers.

Can someone please reassure me and advise me? My mum passed away in December, so I don't have any other other support as I'm autistic and have mental health issues.

66Mustang

Hi @JustJem

I'm sorry to hear about your Mum, I too am autistic with other mental health issues and I can't imagine being without the support of parents so you are clearly a strong person to keep going without support

I actually made a post on here today because I was considering changing to UC voluntarily. The reason I was considering this is that if I was put in the equivalent group to the support group, called LCWRA (limited capacity [for] work related activity) I would actually get more money, just over £30 a week, so quite significant

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/117876/would-i-be-better-off-on-uc#latest

There is obviously the risk of being put in a lower group which I assume is why you are worried and it's a concern for me too but I plan to do some research to see what the criteria are and how they differ from ESA and stuff like that

As for the PIP changes it's a valid worry but I would say I really don't think they are likely to get through, but you never know. People said Brexit would never happen, and Trump would never be a president, etc....

I hope others are able to say something to help or reassure

poppy123456

Your UC will include help with any rent unless you're living in either supported or temporary housing and then it will continue to be paid through housing benefit. 

As you're in the Support Group for ESA you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim.

66Mustang said:

There is obviously the risk of being put in a lower group which I assume is why you are worried and it's a concern for me too but I plan to do some research to see what the criteria are and how they differ from ESA and stuff like that

LCWRA and Support Group are identical. The WCA process, the descriptors are identical and the forms are the same too.

You can see the descriptors here for Support Group https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors

LCWRA here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

The ESA and UC50 forms here.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capability-for-work-questionnaire

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uc50-form-universal-credit-capability-for-work-questionnaire

I can also confirm that I've been through WCAs for both ESA and UC and my daughter claims UC which includes the LCWRA element and as her appointee I did her assessment on her behalf. As you may already know that I also claim ESA In the Support Group myself. The reason I haven't claimed UC is because my ESA includes the SDP so without managed migration I would be worse off. 

JustJem

Thank you Poppy + Mustang, my main concern is I thought the managed migration was 2028 onwards not from September 2024 onwards, surely they can't just make changes like that without thinking this all through.

I'm genuinely worried about getting more into debt while waiting for my first payment of UC when I get asked to go on a managed migration etc.

I'm in a housing association so I get my rent paid through Housing benefit.

Sorry if I'm repeating myself I'm just concerned about the PIP and ESA changes, going into the job centre etc and stuff absolutely terrifies me and after losing Mum as well.. its another added stress.

poppy123456

JustJem said:

Thank you Poppy + Mustang, my main concern is I thought the managed migration was 2028 onwards not from September 2024 onwards, surely they can't just make changes like that without thinking this all through.

I'm genuinely worried about getting more into debt while waiting for my first payment of UC when I get asked to go on a managed migration etc.

I'm in a housing association so I get my rent paid through Housing benefit.

Sorry if I'm repeating myself I'm just concerned about the PIP and ESA changes, going into the job centre etc and stuff absolutely terrifies me and after losing Mum as well.. its another added stress.

Yes it was 2028/29 but the lovely Government changed it recently. Now as you know we do have an election this year and I can't see the Tories getting back in at all so the next Government could pause that migration for ESA claimants as it does say that on the benefits and work website. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/esa-to-uc-migration-to-begin-in-september-2024

When you do eventually claim UC your Income Related ESA and housing benefit will continue for 2 weeks. Then stop and both would then continue through UC.

Your first payment of UC would be 1 month and 6 days after submitting your claim. You can ask for an advance payment but this will need to be repaid back and your future UC payments would be reduced until it's paid back. 

The PIP changes are just proposals at the moment. 

66Mustang

Hi all

Just wanted to say thanks Poppy, I didn't know that you "transition" across from ESA Support Group to UC LCWRA - I assumed you started a new claim and had a new assessment. I'm aware that they can request a review at any time but the same is true for ESA so it seems there is nothing to lose really!

I hope you're feeling a bit better today, @JustJem

JustJem

Thanks Poppy and Mustang.
I literally haven't slept properly since hearing the news of the benefit reform changes, its made me rather suicidal to be honest...especially after losing my Mum on Christmas Eve last year.

I'm mentally and physically exhausted, my partner has had to keep an eye on me as without him I probably would of ended my life in December. 

*apologies if I've crossed any boundaries with talking about the above* 

I'm also extremely confused as to why they are saying September 2024 and December 2025 for the managed migration from ESA to UC.. 😞

66Mustang

I think it's fine to talk about stuff like that but not 100% sure, though you may get a safeguarding email from the admins. I won't try to say all the stuff like "suicide is never the answer" because I can relate having been suicidal before, if I lost my parents and had no one else I promise I'd do the same so I don't have any negative judgement

That's really positive that you still have someone to talk to and for support, I think it's all about having a reason worth keeping going for, which is different for everyone....for some people it's a pet or hobby and others it's their partner or other family

I am being a bit clinical/logical here but I don't see the point in acting on any dark thoughts before any of these changes have been brought into law, I'd at least wait until they happen because the chances are they won't. Not that I would encourage doing anything even if they did bring these reforms into law but it's just how I see it

Sorry if that's a bit overly simplistic or unemotional but as someone who has in the past thought that not being around anymore was a solution it's how I see it

We are always here on the forums if you need support from an impartial person or outsider

OverlyAnxious

JustJem said:

I'm also extremely confused as to why they are saying September 2024 and December 2025 for the managed migration from ESA to UC.. 😞

It's just a political game to show that the Tories can 'get something done' before the general election.