Migration to Universal Credit Worry.

brian1971

When moving from Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit a gap in payments of around three weeks occurs, during which time no benefits are paid. This gap means that my Housing Benefit, Council Tax and the three weeks' payments of ESA will not be paid and that the only way I can cover the bills and loss of income would be to request a loan from the DWP which must be paid back. This appears to suggest that I would, together with thousands of others, lose financially as a result of the migration to Universal Credit. The gap of three weeks would cost me an estimated £1,400 (money I do not have or wish to borrow) and I am therefore filled with trepidation over calling to migrate. I have several weeks to do so. With the loss of such an amount described I feel depressed to say the least. I have yet to hear or read anything about whether the loss of money the three weeks gap incurs will be repaid to claimants.

My biggest concern is in being turfed out of my house by my landlord, who might not accept the non-payment of Housing Benefit during the waiting period for Universal Credit to start. I cannot sleep through worry.

Any information concerning this will be appreciated.

Kimi87

Council Tax Reduction is decided on at a local level and administered by your local authority. Local authority benefits department are well used to people migrating to UC, as is the Council Tax section department.

If you feel your landlord starting eviction proceedings is a real possibility, then taking the UC advance to pay your rent for those three weeks to safeguard your home seems sensible.

The UC payment cycle is one month in arrears.

For advice and reassurance you could speak to Citizens Advice, they have a help to claim service which can support you before during and after your claim. This is a national service run by phone and webchat not linked to your local branch.

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

Rachel_Scope

Hi @brian1971. I'm sorry it's causing you so much stress. Here's some information about what you can do, however it does suggest getting an advance payment which I see you're not keen to do https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/moving_from_esa_to_universal_credit#:~:text=Plan%20for%20a%205%20week,delay%20by%20keeping%20money%20aside. . It says that you can pay it back over 2 years, do you see that as something you could manage? It will be smaller payments over a longer amount of time as opposed to paying it all back in one go.

brian1971

Many thanks to both ladies for your fast replies. Looks as if I will have to request a DWP loan to avoid problems and pay it back over two years.