Hi, my name is Elvisdog! Difficult experience with migration, what can I do?

Elvisdog

Hi, im new to the site. Ive just migrated from ESA SG to UC, my housing benefit has been sorted but I've been told that I'm no longer entitled to full CT benefit i only get £4.00. a week benefit and ive been sent a £388.40 bill to be paid by the 1st of February. I called the CB help number but he said its calculated differently when you are on UC even though I still receive the sevear disability premium from ESA SG fortnightly.

Like many people i have found the migration to UC harrowing, to say the least. It seems to be one thing after the other and I'm told different things by different people. Ive also had to pay a weeks rent because of the time it takes to move over. They say you have migration protection but it's not been the experience that i have had. I really don't know what to do?

Kimmy87

Council Tax Reduction is really difficult to advise on from here, as each local authority has different rules.

I have seen other people who have had to pay more Council Tax as some areas treat UC and legacy benefits differently.

As you still receive ESA, this means part of your previous award was Contributions Based ESA.

This has now converted automatically into New Style ESA as part of the migration process.

ESA SDP is only paid with IR ESA which ended when you claimed UC.

Due to the previous SDP, I expect UC give you Transitional Protection and this has been treated as income by your local authority.

You could talk to local welfare rights for advice

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

(edited to add more info on ESA)

Elvisdog

Thank you, im going to ask if they can recalculate my claim, I'll try to include everything I'm able to.

I hope I can also contact the citizens advice for any help. They have been overwhelmed with people asking for advice and support. Hopefully they can sign post me for local advice. Our council went bankrupt, so all of the different council departments are looking to save money.

Thank you again for your reply.

Catherine21

Can I ask a serious question probley is false information I heard if your council bankrupt you don't have to pay council tax

Kimmy87

Yes Catherine that is false information.

Albus_Scope

Heya @Elvisdog and welcome to the community.

I can see you've already received some top advice, but I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hello. 😊

Elvisdog

Thank you, hello 👋 yes ive found the advice and support a big help.id definitely recommend to other people who would benefit from joining the group.