ESA to UC migration

snuggles65

Well the dreaded envelope landed on my doorstep yesterday 😭. Yes I literally cried to the point that I had a full blown panic attack. Can people advise me of the process please. About the process of joint applications, what photo id I can use. Can I use my husbands buss pass because he doesn't drive due to his epilepsy and non epilepsy attack disorder. Does anybody know if you can use an out of date passport? Can someone advise me the best time to move over I have until the 7th June. Tysmia x

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

The best time to move over depends on your current benefits. If you would get more on Universal Credit then it's better to move as soon as possible. If you would not not get more, and will get Transitional Protection to top it up instead, then there's no rush, and personally I would wait until after the April rates increase in that case.

The best day to submit the claim is the day after an ESA payment.

A bus pass isn't listed as an acceptable form of photo ID, though if that's all your husband has then it's still worth trying. Again with a passport, ideally that should be in date, but may still be accepted if recently out of date. If you have any credit (loans, credit cards, contract mobile phone, etc) then you may be able to confirm ID using a credit check online. If not then they may allow a biographical phonecall. If neither of those are possible then you can attend the Job Centre or have a home visit to confirm ID.

As you'll be claiming as a couple, the first person to start will get a linking code, the second person then uses this code when starting their claim. Once you've submitted the online forms you'll then be asked to confirm ID and accept commitments. And that should be pretty much it from your end, it just takes a few weeks for ESA to send your information across so that your current work status is maintained. If currently in support group then you will get LCWRA on UC. If both of you qualify for LCWRA then only one will be paid. The other may be able to claim Carers Element if either of you get a qualifying benefit such as PIP. In that case, make sure you put that down when asked if you care for anyone on the online form.

snuggles65

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/995209#Comment_995209

Hi Overly anxious

My husband is in the ESA support group and as enhanced pip. I get carers allowance and standard care and high mobility. Thank you so much for your advice. I asked on here before about me putting my health conditions down because as they said I won't have any work commitments but also we wouldn't get any further which is not the issue I don't want to put myself through the stress of having a wca. I understand we would only get 1 lcwra and 1 carer element anyway. Thank you again for your advice. Oh one more thing when do I need to give my bank statements to them x

Kimi87

You'd only usually need to submit bank statements if at the time of claiming, you have over £6000 of capital.

Citizens Advice have a Help to Claim service.

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

snuggles65

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/995318#Comment_995318

Hi kimmy87

Oh I didn't realise I thought you had to send them in when you apply for universal credit. No not savings over £6000 I wish lol. Wish I could win the lottery and tell them where to stick there benefits where the sun don't shine lol, can but dream. Again Kimmy thanks for you invaluable advice.

snuggles65

Hi

Went in the job centre the other day and asked if I could use my hubby's bus pass as photo id and they said yes. I also asked them again about mentioning my health because hubby would be put into lcwra group and I would have carers allowance because he as pip. They said I could put my health conditions down but don't have to provide fit notes if I don't want to because I want to into intensive because of my carers allowance. What are your thoughts can they make me provide fit notes? Poppy and Kimmy and benefit and works said I don't have to mention my health problems. I have until the 7th June to transfer to universal credit. Tyia

Kimi87

No as previously advised putting your health conditions down might trigger a request for Fit Note & work capability assessment. This would have absolutely no benefit, no extra money will be paid if you were found to have LCWRA and you will have no work commitments via carer status anyway.

The maximum paid entitlement for a couple is one LCWRA & one Carers Element.

snuggles65

Hi Kimmy

Thanks again. My head is just full of what's going on. I'm so stressed like many others are, let's hope it won't be as bad as the media are saying