Contribution based ESA wanting to claim UC

babymable

Hi, I currently claim Contribution based ESA and I am in the support group. That is the only benefit I am claiming. I do not receive income based ESA. I was going to apply for Universal Credit and was told that because I am in the support group that I would automaticaly be awarded LCWRA. Is this true ? Does that mean I don't have to be assessed? I've been putting it off because I can't mentally handle going through an assessent at the moment.

Kimi87

Yes that's true.

With an active ESA Support Group claim, LCWRA element would be added to your UC claim automatically without a medical assessment.

It can take several weeks for ESA to confirm your status with UC.

You'll see a deduction of £609.05 on your UC statement for the ESA.

This is an average amount for a months worth (there are 4.3 weeks in a month).

It doesn't matter if you've had 2 or 3 ESA payments in any particular month. The deduction will always be for the average.

babymable

Thanks for replying. So, currently I receive £562.20 monthly with ESA. With UC I will receive the standard rate of £404.14 then the LCWRA rate of £423.27 but they will deduct the ESA from my UC payment, correct. Do I immediately get LCWRA or do I have to wait 3 months for that payment ?

Kimi87

The amount you've quoted is 4 weeks ESA.

UC is a monthly benefit and the monthly equivalent of ESA is £609.05.

Yes you will be entitled to Standard Allowance +LCWRA.

With the ESA deduction, £214.36 of UC will remain in payment, giving you a total income of £823.41.

You would get LCWRA immediately with no waiting period, ESA usually confirm your current award in time for the first payment, but not always.

babymable

Thanks so much. It's a huge load off of my mind now.