Struggling with UC Migration Process—Need Advice

chenlea

After receiving the letter, I finally decided to proceed with the migration from ESA (income-based, support group), which I’ve been on for around 10 years. I’m autistic and rarely able to leave my home without assistance or a companion, which makes these processes especially challenging for me.

I submitted all the required information to the best of my ability and verified my identity online using my provisional driver’s license and passport (both of which I only ever obtained for ID purposes). I expected the process to go smoothly, but after several days of hearing nothing beyond "we’re still verifying your claim," I grew worried. The system had mentioned I’d know by the first week of April and be paid a week later. So, I added a note in my journal explaining that I’m in the ESA support group and asking about the delay.

Today, I finally received a response stating that a Job Centre appointment is being set up for me by my work coach. I replied to clarify my situation, reminding them that I’m in the support group, exempt from these appointments, and the process is meant to be automatic. However, the response I received has left me feeling completely overwhelmed:

"Our system cannot find your National Insurance number. As your identity was verified online, an appointment is required to unblock your claim."

This makes no sense to me. My National Insurance number was included in the claim and has always been on all my ESA correspondence. Yet, Universal Credit is now claiming they can’t find a record of it?

I’m lost and unsure of what to do next. Has anyone else experienced this, or have any advice on how to resolve this quickly? Any support would mean so much right now

Kimmy87

Although you will be entitled to LCWRA (the UC equivalent of ESA Support Group) this does take a few weeks to confirm. Until then you are on the system as a jobseeker essentially.

You don't get a notification as such that this has been confirmed etc, you wait for the first payment statement to arrive so you can check.

Are you able to attend the appointment to get things moving again with your claim?

Citizens Advice have a Help to Claim service, this supports people before, during and after a UC claim.

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