Moving from ESA to UC due to Retirement

spintech67

Hello everyone…new here & looking for some advice as regards moving from ESA to UC, i've been reading a lot of posts on this site & watching info videos on YouTube about filling in the online claim form, & fingers crossed i think i may be able to get through it - my only other option would be to go to my local job centre & ask for their help to fill it in - we will have to have a phone call or visit the job centre for I.D verification as we only have one of the two items required.

I will retire in approximately 6 weeks - i claim ESA (support group) & PIP, my wife is my carer & receives carers allowance.

From what i've read….i believe that as my wife will not retire for a couple of years & to get help with our rent ect we will need to claim UC as a mixed age couple?

As i am the main claimer for the ESA which will end soon - i should apply for the UC adding my wife to link both UC accounts to make a joint claim…is all this correct so far?

Having not yet received a "migration letter" it looks as though we may have to jump ship & do a "natural migration" & take our chances financially.

My main question is….should i make this UC claim now? or is it better to wait nearer my retirement date?

I have read that if in the support group - you should make sure you do the change before ESA {support group) ends to avoid needing a fit note or having a re-assessment.

Also concerned there may be a backlog causing a delay with UC claims?

Any help & info for us both would be very much appreciated,

Thank you

Kimi87

Mixed age couples are a complex area to give advice on. I would recommend speaking to a local trained benefits advisor.

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Citizens Advice have a Help to Claim service, they can support you before during and after your claim.

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

Anyone applying for UC from ESA Support Group does not need to provide a Fit Note.