Before I submit my uc migration claim...

hughie1

I just want to check, to be absolutely certain, there's no way I can just stay on esa? To keep things as they are. No exceptional circumstances? Any loop hole? I am esa support group £318.10 every 2 weeks. Only recently realised I'd been getting both IB and CB ESA.

Lauren29

You will continue to receive Contribution Based ESA if you don't migrate to UC. but you would probably be better off on Universal Credit. Are you claiming any other benefits such as Housing Benefit? Is there a reason why you don't want to claim UC?

hughie1

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/991184#Comment_991184

And how much is the contribution portion of my esa?

I'm not on any benefit except esa.

This uc feels different and too much hassle. I would prefer to keep things as they are.

Kimi87

Contributions Based ESA is currently £138.20 per week.

hughie1

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/991233#Comment_991233

Does that mean from the £318.10, £276.40 is CB and £41.70 is IB?

Kimi87

Yes that's correct.

Are you aware on UC you will be better off?

Standard Allowance +LCWRA pays £809.64 a month.

Your ESA is currently £689.21 a month.

So on UC you'd be £120.43 a month/£1445 a year better off.

Using the 2024/2025 benefit rates.

The NS ESA deduction will arrive at the same figure.

Kimi87

You are either on all Income Related ESA or part Income Related ESA, due to receiving the Disability Income Guarantee.

Since IR ESA is ending you do need to migrate. You got a migration letter so there is no doubt.

Kimi87

Unfortunately ESA letters are very difficult to understand, even for experienced advisors. If you wanted to know for sure you can call ESA and ask if any of your award is Contributions Based.

Kimi87

The ESA letter you got was the annual benefit increase letter.

They go to the printers months ahead and are then sent out in batches. I got mine mid January.

Do you receive any other benefits such as Housing Benefit?