Esa migration

soph2509

So I made the claim for UC after I recieved the migration notice. As my Income related Esa and HousingBenefit was stopping.

I phoned ESA straight after I had made the claim for UC- to find out my payments due. However he rhymed off 4 or 5 payments at that point I stopped him and queried why as I should only have a 2week run on. But he said I was now going to be recieving Contribution ESA.

Im confused, I havent worked in 8years?

I rang them a second time a few days later and the different advisor even said the same thing

Kimmy87

What's happened to your ESA, means before you was getting both Contributions Based & Income Related.

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.

If you get a letter mentioning medical evidence/work coach, don't panic. The letter is a generic letter, assuming the claim is a brand new one and not a transfer from the old ESA. Most of it doesn't apply to your claim.

You will need a commitments interview for NS ESA this is just a formality, your only commitment will be to keep them updated with any changes. If a face to face is booked, you can ask for a phone call instead as a reasonable adjustment.

soph2509

I just wish the letter i got stating the migration mentioned it as i have been ill with worry.

From what i can tell 276 esa every 2weeks going forward

Uc are basically toppin it up by £40ish after deductions from st.allowance, disability and including housing element which im hoping is not deducted from?

Then in april my ESA will go above what Im getting now so it would just be the housing from UC

Kimmy87

With UC your entitlement is added up, then any deductions are made.

ESA will rise in April meaning the deduction goes up, but the UC Standard Allowance & LCWRA will also rise, so you won't be left with just Housing Element.

These are the upcoming benefit rates, if you need to convert ESA to monthly you multiply the weekly amount by 52, then divide by 12.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2025-to-2026/benefit-and-pension-rates-2025-to-2026

Depending on your dates you might not see the UC rise in April because it has to be a full assessment period.

My AP is 27th to 26th, so I don't see the increase until my April/May AP paid 2nd June.

I still get 12 months at the higher rate, I just have to wait longer for it to start 😊

soph2509

Great thank you so much for the help....

😊