Hi, my name is Scopecope! Im having to move from ESA to Universal Credit...

Scopecope
Scopecope Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited February 4 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Hi. Im having to move from ESA to Universal Credit. I have a neurological condition that effects my short term memory, quite severe mental health disorders, from a child. Physically ill. In pain 24/7 with several disorders and poor mobility from polypropylene mesh fitted 2008 that has sliced through nerves in groin/ legs bladder urethra & is toxic.

My son lives with me. He works, without him i wouldnt manage. I used to get severe disability element and contribution element and support element as i wont ever be able to work.

Esa 'forgot' to pay my benefit for 2 years. I didnt realise. They payed me some money back with no explanation, or breakdown.

  1. I dont know if they put me back in right group.
  2. If my son doesnt claim carers allowance, or pay towards stuff, and isnt on the rent book etc, am I entitled to severe disability element, or not, and what about the contribution and support element? What am I entitled to? I want to make sure my esa is right before i go on to universal credit. And what about overnight carer. How do i prove i need one? As ive been paying for a box room. Im on high pip both elements. Have suicudal ideation, self harm, M.E, fibromyalgia, borderline personality disorder, CPTSD. anxiety disorders. Several sleep disorders, nightmares flash backs, disassociate, on high morphine patches pain. Infusions, bladder issues after mesh and reconstruction with Severe inflammation, scar tissue causing pain++. Functional neurology disorder, effecting memory. Spondulosis . giant mass cell reaction. Foreign body disorder, acute aneamia and more.
  3. I did get the contribution to pension and support group esa. & severe disability in 2013 now i just get support group.
  4. Do i HAVE to change to universal credit. If i have to do stuff in a journal i will forget i even have a journal. Im 50 my health is getting worse very quickly.
  5. Any guidance. XX
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Comments

  • Kimmy87
    Kimmy87 Online Community Member Posts: 3,180 Championing

    ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) has two groups, the WRAG (Work Related Activity Group) and the Support Group.

    Unless your Son gets a qualifying benefit you will not be entitled to the Severe Disability Premium payable with Income Related ESA.

    PIP daily living component

    DLA care component at the middle or highest rate

    Attendance Allowance

    Constant Attendance Allowance paid with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Pension

    Armed Forces Independence Payment

    When you apply for Universal Credit you will need to make a case in writing as to why you need an extra bedroom for regular overnight care.

    Legacy benefits are ending so yes you do have to apply for UC.

    Citizens Advice offer a Help to Claim service

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/contact-us-about-universal-credit/

    If you feel unable to manage your claim, is there someone in your life that could be your appointee?

    https://www.gov.uk/become-appointee-for-someone-claiming-benefits

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,717 Scope Online Community Specialist

    Hey @Scopecope, welcome to the Scope online community 🙂 I'm sorry to hear about the awful experiences you've gone through. Can I ask, when you say 'some money' did ESA pay you back all that was owed?

    You will have to eventually migrate over to Universal Credit. Though if you think you will be unable to manage it you can set an appointee as Kimmy mentions. You can read more about appointees here: Become an appointee to manage someone’s benefits | Disability charity Scope UK

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