New style ESA and Universal Credit

lupin57

hello, I am new here.

I was migrated to UC last year. I also get new style ESA (support group) which is deducted from the UC.

Recently I got a letter saying the new style ESA payments were going to be updated from early April.

My UC assessment period runs from the 16th of the month to the 15th. So my last assessment period that I’ve been paid for was from 16th March to 15th April. I was expecting to see change in some of the numbers because of the new style esa but it was all the same as previously. (But no change in total payment, especially as I have a transitional payment element too).

Am I supposed to inform UC about the ESA uprating? I thought it would all be automatic. They email me every two months to tell me to look at my journal where they inform me (again) that I get ESA. (But not the amount)

Thank you.

Catherine21

Im so confused with it all my statement is exactly the same as before what would you have to inform them of id like to understand as well pls

lupin57

yes, UC was supposed to simplify benefits - I find it makes everything more complicated and confusing.

My thought was maybe nothing’s changed yet because the uprating happened after the assessment period began. Maybe that’s the same for you too. But it would be good to know if that is the case.

snuggles65

On my May payment the only thing that went up was my housing which reduced my TP, everything else was the same. I've worked out my payments won't change until June. Hope this helps.

lupin57

thanks. Sounds like we are all in the same situation.

I’ve just had to enter an increased housing cost too, which is in the middle of my assessment period. I am expecting my TP to be reduced like yours. Did you find they reduced it for the whole of the assessment period or just from when the rent increase began?

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1122285#Comment_1122285

Im confused all i know is tp will be reduced as time goes by the wca really protected us

Andi66

My uc gone up for next month, not sure about esa as no letter yet. Probably stuck in sorting office. My rent gone up. So my tp gone down . I have asked in my journal was it right. Haven't heard yet

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1122313#Comment_1122313

Mines stayed the same got statement yesterday its all confusing not knowing what to expect hope your well