ESA to UC savings enquiry

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Artmuzz

I have been getting ESA Support Group for the last 10 years due to anxiety, depression and panic disorder. I am also getting standard care and standard mobility on PIP. A few weeks ago I received a letter telling me to apply for Universal Credit as everyone on ESA will soon be moved from ESA to UC.

I am really worried sick about this and it’s causing me a lot of stress and panic attacks which is making unwell. One worry is that through out the years of being on ESA and PIP I’ve managed to keep the remaining money which I have saved up after paying bills, food amd other essentials. My bank account where my ESA goes into is sitting at over £5k. My other bank account where my PIP goes into is sitting at over £1k. In total it’s sitting at £6,100 which is £100 over the £6k limit which may affect my payment when a get on UC.

This is worrying me. Please advise.

Kimi87

If you received any Cost of Living Payments then these are disregarded indefinitely, providing your capital never went below the amount you received.

When you apply, subtract the CoL figure and report that amount upon application.

Or report the full amount and add a Journal note (the name for your online UC account) stating the amount that needs to be disregarded.

Even if they weren't disregarded, at most you would need to provide paper bank statements in person at a Jobcentre, and have £4.35 deducted each month from your UC award.