Baffled over new style ESA and UC

Artmuzz

I am now on Universal Credit after getting a letter telling me that I must apply for Universal Credit as part of the migration from ESA support group as I have anxiety, depression and panic disorder that stops me from working.

Anyway, what has baffled me is that I am now getting New style CB ESA as well as UC and I have a phone call next week to agree to terms of New style CB ESA and the letter mentioned something about a work coach. The thing is I am wondering if they have made a mistake as I am still too unwell to work and I am baffled why I'm getting contribution based as I haven't worked to pay any stamps in over 20 years.

Kimi87

You are still entitled to transfer to New Style ESA, from CB ESA, due to your previous work NI Contributions. That doesn't expire.

Please read through this thread for information and reassurance regarding the telephone appointment.

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/130268/ive-already-moved-to-universal-credit-but-ive-received-a-letter-from-esa

Artmuzz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1063480#Comment_1063480

I was under the impression that I was on income based ESA and not Contribution based. I was on Contribution based ESA in 2008 amd moved into income based in 2010. I was then moved into income related ESA support group in 2015.

A other thing that worries me is what if they ask for me to agree to their terms of finding employment when in reality I am too unwell to work.

Kimi87

If you read through the thread I linked to as advised, you will see the only commitment you'll have is to agree to keep them informed of any changes, same as with UC.

Lots of people are mistaken about their ESA award.

If you were on CB ESA in Work Related Activity Group which expires after 365 days - then changes to Income Related (still WRAG), what happened when you were moved to ESA Support Group in 2015 is your CB entitlement reactivated, so you were getting CB ESA with an IR top up.