ESA (support group) - migration letter to UC - I'm really confused!

BambiFalls

Hello, I'm sorry if this has been posted in the wrong place I'm not sure how to do it.

Can someone please help! I have been in the support group ESA since around 2011 and had my migration letter yesterday that told me to fill in a online form to migrate to UC. We did so but it's asking me about work and a work person??? I'm confused and anxious as I've been unable to work since my Stroke and took the DWP to a tribunal. Can someone please advise me. Thank you

Jimm_Scope

Hey @BambiFalls, welcome to the community 😊 Don't worry, I moved this over to our Universal Credit category.

I know migrating is quite stressful, I want to just ask a few questions if that's okay. Just for a bit of extra info so we can hopefully help support you through this. When does your letter say you have to migrate by? And do you live with a partner and so this is a joint claim or is it a single claim?

About the question around work, Universal Credit application asks everyone about their work status, but if you are in the Support Group they will eventually be sent that confirmation by ESA. You shouldn't have any work commitments but still must fill in the application section about work.

Please ask about anything else you are unsure about, you can also check out our advice article on UC migration here: Moving to Universal Credit and transitional protection | Disability charity Scope UK

BambiFalls

Hi @Jimm_Scope thank you so much for helping me. I’ve literally been in tears over all this. I’ve migrated over and I’m single so it’s just me and I claim Housing Benefits. Today I’ve received a ESAL024 letter from DWP about my ESA stopping and then about the job centre will call me about a work coach?? Why do I need a work coach and a assessment migrating over from the support group? I’m so upset I rang them as I’m so confused I didn’t really understand what she said other than it was the law to have a work coach. Thank you

Kimmy87

Does the letter mention New Style ESA at all?

BambiFalls

Yes @Kimmy87 thats another thing that’s confused me - I’ve gotten myself in a state. I’ve never heard of that before this letter? What does it mean please?

Kimmy87

This letter means part of your ESA was contributions based.

When someone is on both CB & IR ESA, upon migration the IR ESA ends and is replaced by UC, the CB ESA converts automatically into New Style ESA.

NS ESA will be paid separately from UC, fortnightly at a rate of £276.40.

This will be deducted in full (598.68) from each UC payment.

As UC is a monthly benefit and ESA weekly, the numbers may look wrong, but are right.

The mention of a work coach is because these are generic letters, sent on the assumption that it's a brand new claim.

You will need a commitments interview for NS ESA this is just a formality, your commitments will be to keep them updated with any changes.

If you'd find attending the Job Center difficult, you can ask for a telephone appointment.

You will still automatically entitled to LCWRA under UC, and Support Group NS ESA.

Jane315STARX

I totally feel for you X.This whole system is a nightmare.I went through the same.Nobody explains this will happen

BambiFalls

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/943639#Comment_943639

Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me just making things clear and explaining everything. Thank you for taking time to do that for me it’s very kind of you.