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.