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Should I find out if I can stay on the same benefit?

rspen123

hi im on old style esa and in the support group got a letter saying i have to claim u/c by 7th feb got a bad feeling about it feel as though i will be on a lot less money even if claim process goes ok, has any one a similar experience am i stressing over nothing when should i make a claim for u/c or should i find out if i can stay on same benefit is there anyone you can speak to contact numbers thanks rich

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poppy123456

You will not be able to remain on your current benefits because all means tested legacy benefits are ending. If you don't claim UC by the date in the letter your current benefit will end 2 weeks later.

You will not be any worse off when you migrate across because if your UC entitlement is less than your current benefits then you'll be entitled to Transitional Protection to make sure you're not worse off.

As you're in the Support Group then your UC will include the LCWRA element from the start of your claim.

Does your ESA include the Severe Disability Premium?

rspen123

hi poppy thanks for reply no i don't have severe dis premium and i don't claim any other benefits like housing benefits or rent , i was reading that the transitional protection eventually stops is this true ? the .gov site is unbelievably complicated its like all the information for everything is all on one page what is LCWRA

Kimi87

As you are on ESA with no SDP, transitional protection won't apply to your claim, as you will actually be better off financially on UC.

UC LCWRA pays more than ESA SG.

You could put your details into a benefits calculator to see what I mean.

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

LCWRA is the equivalent of Support Group under UC.

After applying for UC, It does take a few weeks for ESA & UC to talk, and it's best once you've made the claim to add a note on the UC Journal (UC is managed through an online account) stating that you are migrating from ESA Support Group.

You might have a request in the meantime for a Fit Note, as the UC system may pick up your reported health condition but not yet know about the ESA. This request can be ignored.

poppy123456

If you're 25 and over UC which includes LCWRA element pays about £120/month more than ESA Support Group. This was one of the reasons why they originally decided to delay the migration process for those claiming Income Related ESA, with or without housing benefit.

rspen123

hi thanks for advice will just have to wait and see what happens in feb worrying wont help me any thanks kimmy and poppy

poppy123456

As your ESA doesn’t include the SDP is there any reason why you’re waiting until Feb? LCWRA for UC pays more than ESA Support Group for you.

rspen123

hi i only got the letter a few days ago it says i have until 7th of feb to make a claim i suppose i could make a claim today for migration to u/c but cant help think it will start all sorts of issues whats the chances of everything transitioning smoothly ? if it was as simple as moving from one to another it could all be done on my behalf by dwp ! whats the reason for the changes once its changed its done permanently anxiety about it

poppy123456

Yes know but if you're entitled to more UC then it makes sense to claim it now, rather than wait. What other benefits are you claiming (if any) exactly?

The majority of people migrate across without any issues. You'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim but as advised, it will take a few weeks for ESA to send your details across. Once this is done your claim will update and it will be the same as your ESA is now… no appointments, no looking for work because your only commitments will be to report any changes.

Are you claiming ESA as a single person?

rspen123

hi yes claiming as a single person and not claiming any other benefit just old style esa in support group, id not heard of SG or LCWRA before is u/c just for one year then do you have to repeat claim, its all new to me not had any contact with dwp or job centres for along time

poppy123456

No, it's not just for one year. Once you claim you'll continue to receive payments once a month.

Support Group refers to ESA and LCWRA refers to UC. As you're not claiming any other benefits then I can confirm that your UC will be about £120/month more than your ESA.

ESA Support Group amount (without SDP) is £159.05/week (£318.10/fortnight) total monthly figure is £689.21

UC entitlement will include the following..

Standard allowance (if at least aged 25) £393.45/month

LCWRA element £416.19/month. Total UC amount = £809.64/month.

This means that you'll be £120.43/month better off by claiming UC.

Once you submit your claim your Income Related ESA will continue for 2 weeks and then stop. If any part of your ESA is contributions based this will continue to be paid but it will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. Your ESA payments will be £276.40/fortnight.

You will not need to provide fit notes or go through another work capability assessment.

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @rspen123, welcome to the community 🙂 You've already received some excellent answers from our community and I hope it has helped with this process of migrating to UC a bit. I know it can be very anxiety inducing this change in support!

Please do keep coming with any questions you have about the process and also check out our advice section on migrating to Universal Credit: Moving to Universal Credit and transitional protection | Disability charity Scope UK

rspen123

thanks jimmy i havent do anything yeah had some issues stress related couldnt deal with doing both things at once

Jimm_Alumni

I understand that @rspen123. If you feel like getting some help with applying for Universal Credit I would recommend contacting your local Citizen's Advice Bureau: Find your local Citizens Advice - Citizens Advice