ESA/UC - would closing my UC claim affect my ESA?

lily2865

I was migrated moved from mixed ESA to new style ESA and UC . I also recieve PIP . I have more then 6 thousand savings . Im finding the whole thing of updating every month changes up and down stressful as i dont do online banking and have to physically visit the bank to get statements . Also not good with numbers and need someone to help me . my memory is not good so im always anxious i may forget to update it . Im not good with finances and struggle to keep records of it . Im thinking of closing the UC claim . But would this affect my esa im in support group ? Can any one offer some advice ?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @lily2865, welcome to the community. You should be able to close your UC claim without it affecting your ESA payments if that's what you'd like to do.

Do you think you'll need to claim Universal Credit again in the future, or can you manage okay on your current benefits?

lily2865

I think i can manage on what im on the uc top is about 4O pound a week . Im not sure if i would need UC again in the future would this be an issue later on?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @lily2865, I only ask as if you were receiving any LCWRA amounts and things like that you may need reassessing if you reclaimed, and the LCWRA rates have now changed. But if you're managing okay and are only receiving a small amount anyway, it shouldn't be too much of a problem ☺️

lily2865

I would be loosing the lwra top up through UC does this mean if i close the claim i would also loose my support status in my esa ?

Kimi87

No your ESA Support Group status would continue.

If you needed to reclaim UC in the future, the higher LCWRA amount would apply due to your existing ESA award.