Moving home triggering migration to UC?

MagpieWicca

A little complicated, please bear with me. I need to move to a bungalow, but have been told that doing so will trigger a change of circumstances (COC), pushing me into unplanned migration to UC, losing a LOT of money in the process. However, I have been informed that having Contribution Based ESA (in support group with Disability Enhancement) means no migration. As I am in receipt of Income Based ESA as well, will this still trigger a migration to UC, or will the CB ESA protect me from that? I dare not move for fear of loss of income, but if I don't do it soon, I will not be physically able to.

Kimmy87

Will you be claiming help with rent in a new council area?

If so, yes that will trigger a move to UC to get help with rent via the Housing Element of UC.

Your income related ESA would stop and be paid instead under UC.

Your CB ESA would automatically change to New Style ESA , and be paid every fortnight at a rate of £276.40.

This would be deducted in full from your UC award.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

If you move to another local authority area, and need to claim help with rent costs, you will need to start a UC claim for that. It is no longer possible to make a new claim for Housing Benefit in another area (unless in Supported accommodation).

If the move is within your current local authority, you will not be forced onto UC.

Eventually your income based ESA will be migrated to UC, and the contributions ESA will change to New Style ESA.

Why are you expecting to lose a lot of money from the migration to UC? Are you currently receiving SDP?

MagpieWicca

Thank you. No rent involved, and moving out of area. The loss of money is greater because it would not involve a planned migration, or transitionary protection.

poppy123456

As you are not claiming for help with the rent then your existing benefits will continue.

As for managed migration then yes you will at some point from now receive the letter to migrate across to UC.