Hi, my name is Bigboiben74!

Bigboiben74

hello everybody I hope you’re all ok and are feeling happy.

Bluebell21

Hello @Bigboiben74 Welcome to the Community. I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. Any questions just ask. Take care.

Bigboiben74

I am very scared about moving from esa to universal credit. I have been an ill man for as long as I can remember. I am not sure about anything at all about life and I don’t have to get sick notes I’m not sure if I saw a thing that said I was ok until 2028 before I had to change. Of course I will do as I’m told by the government as they have truly helped me for most of my life and without them I’d probably be dead. I just hate not being able to understand anything and I feel like I’m going to lose my money and not be able to help my family anymore. I have a terrible back problems and nerve pain and take strong medication for it. Also I have extreme anxiety and depression. I receive help from pip with a car so that I can get around to getting my medication. But that’s all I leave my house for. I was stabbed in 2019 and they never caught the man who did it to me and recently I think I have been seeing him every time I go to get my medication. I’m scared about my benefits because it is literally my life and I don’t know what I would do without them. Thank you so much for listening to me. [Personal information removed by moderator]

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Bigboiben74, I'm so sorry that you're feeling this way. Changing benefits can seem very daunting but we can support you along the way. A lot of members here have had to go through the same thing so they can share their experiences. I'm also sorry that you were stabbed and they didn't catch the person who did it. I can't imagine how difficult that must be to deal with. Do you live with your family?

I'm going to sending you an email shortly, can you look out for it?

I've also just removed your full name for privacy.

Bigboiben74

ok thank you so much. The woman I have to speak to about the move already seems to have judged me and making me feel as if I’m doing something wrong for not being well. I’m awake at night because of this I truly am terrified

poppy123456

The rules for those claiming ESA have changed from 2028/29 to anytime from now up until Dec 2025.

If you're in the Support Group for ESA you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. You will not need to provide a fit note. They will likely ask you to provide it but please do not do that. It is not needed.

It will take a couple of weeks for ESA to send your details across. Once this is done your UC will be updated.

Your first payment will be about 5 weeks after you submit your claim. Any Income Related ESA you're claiming will continue for 2 weeks and then stop.

If any part of your ESA is contributions based, this will continue but be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

Citizens Advice have a help to claim phone number you can ring when the time comes. They will help, support and guide you through the whole process.

Bigboiben74

thank you so very much poppy. I wish everyone was like you