UC and ESA Help Needed

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kezzy2871

Hi, would like some advice about my son’s universal credit claim. He moved into his first flat on the 1st of July. Before this he was staying with us temporarily. 

He was getting standard rate PIP and ESA support group with the disability premium. We were told he had to change to universal credit from ESA to get housing benefit, which we helped him do.

He has got his first statement today dated from 14th of June to the first of July. It says standard allowance £393, Housing is £695, and limited capability for work £416. We were told when applying for this he should get the £318 per fortnight he was getting plus the severe premiums as he is living alone. I am completely confused about the transitional element as though he hasn’t been asked to move over he has had no choice. TIA

poppy123456

I'm confused about the statement dates being 14th June to 1st July because UC assessment periods always last for 30 days each month. If he started his UC claim on 14th June then I would expect his assessment period dates to be 14th to 13th of every month.

When claiming UC he would only be claiming housing benefit if living in either supported or temporary housing. If he doesn't then help with the rent would be included with UC known as housing element. It's important to know the difference between housing benefit is completely different.

You mention severe disability premium but there's no disability premiums payable when claiming UC. When he submitted his claim for UC this would have ended any Income Related ESA he was claiming 2 weeks later. The ESA payments will completely stop after that.

If his ESA was £318/fortnight then that would not have included the Severe disability Premium. That would have Included just the Enhanced Disability Premium.

If he was living with you before he moved into his own place then he would have only been entitled to SDP if all the adults living in the house were also claiming a qualifying disability benefit such as PIP/ADP daily living, DLA mid/high rate care or AA or were registered blind. If they weren't there would have been no entitlement to SDP. Can you please confirm if they were?

When he started his UC was he still living with you? I'm assuming he was because you said he didn't move into his flat until 1st July. Please can you confirm this?

I will advise you further once you've confirmed the answer to those questions.