Migrating and a few questions (eg moving from ESA support group, and meetings)

FluffyCatMeow

Hi all,

I had the ESA to UC letter yesterday and got the form filled in.

I have a couple of questions, though, please:

I’m moving from the ESA Support Group, but the last time I had a WCA was in 2018 - should I be prepared to be asked to have another since it’s been 6 years, or is it kind of random if I will?

I’ve read that getting the LCWRA payment means waiting 3 months and just getting the regular payment until then - does this apply to those of us migrating from the Support Group?

What happens at the first in-person meeting, and what type of questions should I expect, please? I’ve read mixed things as to whether you also have to have a phone call. Is that true, or instead of the in-person meeting?

Will I get a notification when my first UC payment is coming up?

For the final ESA payment two weeks after submitting the form - does this mean that my ESA payment that was due in one week, now won’t arrive for two weeks, or should I still expect it next Friday?

And my final question (sorry for so many!) is about the transitional protection - will this start with my first UC payment even if they decide I need another WCA before putting me in LCWRA?

Thank you for any thoughts on any of the questions, it’s much appreciated ☺️

Kimmy87

I've answered where I feel I can advise.

Moving from ESA SG to UC by itself will not trigger a new WCA.

No that applies to brand new claims (those going through the WCA process for the first time) on UC, not those migrating.

You can ask for a phone call instead of an in person.

Your first payment statement will be available 31-33 days after you claim. Your first payment is just over 5 weeks after you claim.

Not every claim qualifies for TP, only if your UC entitlement is lower than legacy benefits. TP is usually calculated in time for the first statement, but not always.

poppy123456

Did your ESA include the Severe Disability Premium? If so then there will be some entitlement to Transitional protection.

FluffyCatMeow

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/965743#Comment_965743

I’m not sure - I get £318.10 every 2 weeks, but I don’t know what that includes

poppy123456

Then that doesn't include SDP. This means that if you're 25 and over you'll be about £120/month better off by claiming UC.

May I ask do you claim a disability benefit such as PIP daily living or DLA mid/high rate care? If so do you live or alone or with any other adults? and does anyone claim either carers allowance or carers element of UC for looking after you?

FluffyCatMeow

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/965756#Comment_965756

brill, thank you

I claim PIP with higher rates, and I live alone but my carer/mum stays over, and my mum claims carer’s allowance

poppy123456

Thank you for that information then I can confirm that you would not be entitled to SDP but needed to check just incase you were. The information I gave above all apply, assuming you are aged 25+.

FluffyCatMeow

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/965862#Comment_965862

thank you, I really appreciate the info!