Hi, my name is de1976! I've had my letter to move to uc. Do I have to apply for LCWRA?

de1976

Hi I've had my letter to move to uc ;( I am on esa income related support group what happens do I have to apply for something called lcwra am so confused 😕

poppy123456

No, you don't have to apply for LCWRA. You will be entitled to this from the start of your claim because you're in the Support Group for ESA. It will take a few weeks no doubt for ESA to send your details across to them.

Once you submit your claim for UC your Income Related ESA will continue for 2 weeks and then stop. If any part of it is contributions based, this will continue but be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

When you fill out the form it will ask you about your health conditions so you will need to report those. It's standard procedure for the system to then ask you to provide a fit note but you do not need to provide this.

Once you have access to your journal you need to put a message on there to tell them you're claiming ESA in the Support Group.

Albus_Scope

Hi there @de1976 and welcome to the community.

I can see Poppy has already leapt in with the top advice, but I just wanted to stop in and say a quick hello. 😊

de1976

Thank it's all to much all this stress but thanks 😊

poppy123456

It's stressful due to fear of the unknown and you're scared, which is understandable. Once you've claimed and you have access to your journal it will get a little easier. Citizens Advice also have a help to claim helpline which you can contact for help and support when you do decide to claim.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/

de1976

Thank u I have a disabled son as well so no.idea what happens as on tax c also

de1976

One more question when should I start it 🤔 says 28th Nov thanks

poppy123456

You're welcome. Your Tax credits will stop completely once you submit your claim for UC. Child element will then be included in your UC, as well as the disabled child element, if your son is claiming a disability benefit.

It's entirely up to you when you claim. However, please be aware of Christmas because once you submit your claim for UC your first payment will not be for just under 5 weeks.. If you claim on 21st November, this will mean your assessment periods will be 21st to 20th of every month and your first payment will not be until 27th December, which will be after Christmas. If you claim after that then it will be the same and you will not receive a payment before Christmas.

If you submit your claim before that date then you will receive a payment for in time for Christmas.

Your Income Related ESA and housing benefit does continue for 2 weeks once you claim UC.

You can ask for an advance payment but this does need to be repaid back and your future UC payments will be reduced until it's paid back.