UC Migration (received notice)

qwertyqwerty

Hi I am hoping for some advice, I received an unexpected call today after I left messages on my journal, it is from what I think is my work coach. After a lengthy conversation regarding what details I can bring to show her, I asked her what was happening with my partners existing ESA (Support Group) and she said she didn’t know? She said “we tend to assess our decision on that there and then when you are in the job centre interview.

I explained that I read online that if you migrate his existing award should follow him and I was told she’d call me back when she has looked into it. I am on carers allowance and my award automatically got carried over (I think, as it says on my journal I am not required to work)

We only applied on Monday morning so I do understand things take time but I thought if they was pushing people to make claims they’d stick to their migration rules. I am now concerned he will have to be re accessed all over again and right now he really isn’t up to that.

Kimi87

His award will be automatically carried over, and LCWRA will be applied to his claim. It just takes a few weeks or so for ESA to talk to UC and confirm his status.

No re assessment will be required.

qwertyqwerty

I’m just curious as to why she didn’t seem to think it would carry over. The thing is I think we are going to be worse off regardless as if he needs a new assessment he physically won’t be able to. His anxiety is through the roof at the moment and I don’t think it is fair him having to be put through that again because of migration.

Kimi87

She didn't know what she was talking about unfortunately.

When I changed the work coach I saw started talking about Fit Notes and WCA's.

I stated my case, she listened and consulted a more experienced colleague, who endorsed what I said.

Point 10

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition#moving-from-employment-and-support-allowance-to-universal-credit

I've linked this for someone else on here recently, so you aren't the only one getting incorrect advice from work coaches.

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/911377#Comment_911377

I really hate to continue to advise this after UC was introduced more than 10 years ago but they are very often poorly trained, with. very little knowledge.

Tell your partner to put a message onto their journal to tell them that they are in the Support Group for ESA.

As Kimmy, correctly advised, it will take a few weeks for ESA to send their details across to UC. Once this is done your claim will be updated.

You will not be worse off on point of migration because if you are then Transitional Protection will be put into place to make sure you're not any worse off.

qwertyqwerty

I put one on there myself and we discussed the fact I left that message. She claimed she’d “do some digging and call me back tomorrow” I’m not entirely sure what she’s digging for.

is there a point at all where we will be able to see what we are entitled to or is that when we get our first payment

Also, do I have to cancel the benefits myself or will UC do this?

ESA

Child Tax

housing Ben etc
thanks in advance

Kimi87

Claiming UC should cancel those behind the scenes, you don't need to do anything.

At the end of each monthly assessment period, a statement will be added onto your UC account showing the upcoming payment. This is usually available 1-3 days after your AP ends.

Your payment will arrive 7 days after the end date of your AP.

poppy123456

Your Tax credits will have ended once you submitted the claim for UC. Income Related ESA and housing benefit continues for 2 weeks and then stops. You do not need to information anyone because they will automatically receive notice that you've claimed UC.

qwertyqwerty

Thankyou. Final question (sorry!)

My rent has been the same for 10+ years. I asked my landlord for a tenancy agreement as my last tenancy agreement is out of date as the letting agent no longer exists. He’s done me a new one but informed me he’s also going to up the rent as houses local to us are much more than what I’m paying. I’ve accepted this as of course I’ve never really had an increase but my housing benefit currently is the old amount (£400 a month, he now wants £650 a month due to houses in the area rising over the years.)

will this be an issue or is it easily sorted with taking in the tenancy agreement he has done?

Kimi87

Your rent will now be paid through UC (Housing Element).

They will want to see the tenancy agreement.

Your rent can only be paid up to the maximum Local Housing Allowance for your area

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

If the LHA doesn't meet the rent, you will need to top up the shortfall yourself.

A Discretionary Housing Payment is a possibility, although funding is limited and any help temporary, meaning you'd have to re apply.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments