Hi, my name is bernie801! I am being asked to move over to uc from esa .. am worried ...

bernie801

Hi am being asked to move over to uc from esa .. am worried I won't get the same amount can anyone help as universal is lot less

poppy123456

If your UC entitlement is less than your current benefits then you will be entitled to Transitional Protection so you won’t be worse off when you actually claim it.

Which group are you in for ESA?

Does your ESA include the Severe Disability Premium?

bernie801

Yes am on esa sdp I also get remt on hb for me ans my carer as wen needed .. so get two bed rooms will I still get that paid for or do u have to provide proof again.. also am on altogether 2200 is will I get the sMe now if I migrate ? Do they top it up to the same amount? ..

bernie801

Yes am in support group I've not has medical in years

poppy123456

Your UC will include the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. It will also include standard allowance and housing element, which replaces housing benefit. Unless you either live in supported or temporary housing and then your housing benefit will continue.

As your ESA includes the SDP your UC will also include the Transitional protection. This means at the time of migration you will not be worse off.

For the extra bedroom for a carer you will need to apply for this through UC when you apply.

Please be aware though that Transitional Protection erodes over time so if other elements increase or you become entitled to other elements it will decrease by the same amount. Until it eventually reduces to zero.

bernie801

I've been told I dnt have to reapplied and just migrating and telling them that Iam already in receipt of 2 bedrooms I will get it .. is this not right?

AlAlso u said it will erode but does it erode to match what ever universal goes up ... am getting told so many different things

bernie801

Also if I was to apply for 1 bed in shared accomodation with my land lord .. my max 1 bed room is 178 two bed is 200 ... am over 35. So wud I be intitle to full one bed and room for My carerr as I already have it I've been told I will it be straight forward ..?

I've also been told if my rent drops the transition goes up to compensate for the rent going down other wise if I went back to 2 bed from one. I'd lose some tranition protection?

poppy123456

The 2 bedroom rate will not automatically apply because you need to claim it and ask for an extra bedroom for your carer.

Transitional Protection will be calculated at the end of your first month. Once it's added to your claim, your UC will not increase until the TP has completely eroded. Basically, you'll eventually be receiving the same amount of money as someone who doesn't currently receive the SDP.

For the housing element, you can't claim for any more than what your rent liability is. In this case the whole of your rent would be paid so you would have no need to claim an extra bedroom for a carer.

If your liability to pay rent decreases then no, your TP will not increase. Once it's calculated, it won't ever increase, it will only decrease. Yes, if other elements increase then TP decreases and this applies to all elements, including when benefits increase from April onwards.