question re manditory migration from ESA to UC

Jenwren

I'm wondering if someone can clarify something for me.

I got a manditory migration letter to move from ESA to UC before Februrary 25. I'm in the support group (don't have to look for work) for ESA on the highier tier. I've sent off the forms and have an account. So far I've done the 'manditory' task things in my account.

I've just (as in a few minutes ago) recieved a notification that I have to have a manditory phone call to "agree to a new style employment and support allowance commitment." - this has really confussed me because I thought I was transfering to UC and that new style ESA and UC aren't the same. Can someone explain this? Perhaps I'm being stupid but I'm just a bit worried.

I'm also worried with all the manditory commitments I have to make in my account - it seems like I'll have to do commitements etc to get my UC, does this mean I have to look for work, despite being in the support group?

I want to do everything by the book etc but there isn't a huge amount of infomation on the DWP website about transfering to UC and what it means. Am I worrying about something stupid?

Has anyone here been through this phone call etc and can explain to me about it?

thanks in advance.

Kimmy87

This means your ESA was both Income Related and Contributions Based. Lots of people don't know until they transfer what their ESA was made up of.

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

You will still be in the Support Group for NS ESA & automatically receive the UC equivalent (LCWRA).

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 correct. As there are 4.3 weeks in a month.

The commitments interview for NS ESA is just a formality.

You will have no commitments for NS ESA or UC, other than than to keep them informed of any changes.

Please see the last update from this user whose husband went through exactly the same

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/125483/uc-managed-migration-sick-fit-notes

New claims can be quite busy at first with lots of tasks, this does settle down and smooth out as the claim progresses, until it practically runs itself with minimal or no input from you.

Jenwren

Thank you so much for your comment and explaning it so well, it was really kind and helpful of you, I really appreciate it.

Jenwren

Quick update for anyone reading, or going through the same process. Although my call was almost an hour late, it was pretty much exactly what I was told here. the job centre lady was very nice and apologetic about the lateness, and the entire conversation about about a minute long.

With other advice I also posted on my account journal I'm transfering from the support group - not sure if that mattered but considering others had been advised, hopefully it prevents any confussion

It basically consisted of that I need to update them (UC and ESA) about any changes including things like change of number, address etc so not just financial and that was that. I'm pretty sure she said I'd get the same amount of money I'm on now (I'm income and contribution based) - so if anyone else is in this same catagory: support group it seems like you don't have to look for work no matter what your letter says. I hope this can help other fellow nervous folk when they migrate from ESA to UC, I completely understand how daunting it can be for us all to deal with DWP, job centre etc.

I was worried because my letter said it would be 30 minute long and I would need to provide medical evidence and explain how my illness/disability affected me looking for work. For people in the support group it looks like we get the same generic letter but just ignore this - you don't have to look for work/complete activities.

Thank you so much for the advice on this forum. I'm a chronic worrier and get very anxious with changes and especially this kind of thing, so the infomation and knowledge - and kindess on this forum is very, very appreciated. Hopefully this will also ease the mind of anyone else migrating to UC from ESA in the support group.

Kimmy87

Thank you for coming back to update, it's never expected but always appreciated so we know how you got on 🤗

It also helps to illustrate to others real life examples of how the advice we give is correct.

Ranald

I'm sure many others found this reassuring. I didn't think to post similar after my call on the 8th January. I tried not to, but had been worrying about looking for work after 15 years in receipt of ESA support group.

Jenwren

I only thought of it because another lady on the forum was kind enough to post an update on what'd happened to her husband after the call. I completely understand and empathise about how worrying it is for everyone in the ESA support group to suddenly be told they have to look for work, agree to commitments etc. It worried me so much, so hopefully it'll reassure others in the same boat.