Esa changes

shamzz

Hi, iv got very bad anxiety about the changes, I'm on esa contribution, do I have to change to uc

Kimmy87

If you are wholly on CB ESA, then no.

If you are on CB & Income Related ESA, or CB ESA and another legacy benefit such as Housing Benefit, then yes.

luvpink

@shamzz

Hi and welcome to the community.

shamzz

Good morning 🙏, thank u for replying, will they still pay rent? Bolton at home property

Kimmy87

Yes if you migrate to UC, your rent will be paid via Housing Element which is part of Universal Credit.

shamzz

But I'm sick, I cannot go on to uc

Kimmy87

As I advised, if your ESA is CB & Income Related ESA, or CB ESA and another legacy benefit such as Housing Benefit, then yes you will be migrated.

If you didn't claim UC then you wouldn't get any help with your rent.

There is help to support people through the application process, and you will be automatically entitled to the UC equivalent of your ESA group so will not be expected to look for work.

As part of the move to UC your CB ESA will automatically convert into New Style ESA.

Same group and fortnightly payments as before.

One brief phone call to accept commitments, which for you would only be to keep them informed of any changes.

shamzz

Ok Thank you but so confusing for me, iv not received my letter yet

Kimmy87

Letters will arrive up until December of this year.

shamzz

TThanks for replying