Would we be better off if I gave up ESA?

System
System Posts: 307 Online Community Programme Lead
in Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
This discussion was created from comments split from: Someone here advised me I'd be better off switching from ESA to UC.

Comments

  • Isla2023
    Isla2023 Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    Ive been claiming PIP and ESA contribution based since i had to give up work in 2023 due to my health. My husband carried on working but had to give up in June 2025 to care for me.
    Since using a lot of our savings to pay mortgage, bills etc we decided to make a claim for UC.

    Our first statement for August came out at 0

    I have just used a benefits calculator and it appears because we both have a small pension each and my husband gets carers allowance and I get ESA it looks as though we wont’t be entitled to anything. Im not sure what to do - would we be better off if I gave up my ESA so that we then become entitled to UC and all the benefits which would come with that? Eg. Help with mortgage interest, council tax support, health costs etc. Would it be silly to give up ESA as I don’t think you can get it again once you’ve given it up. I don’t know what to do for the best, I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 9,040 Championing
    edited September 10

    To start with, is everything present on your statement before deductions?

    From the information given, I'd expect to see Standard Allowance (couple), 1 x Carers Element & 1x LCWRA.

    If you gave up ESA would that actually leave an amount payable from UC, given you also have deductions for two pensions & Carers Allowance?

    If you use the figures on your statement that should become clearer.

  • Isla2023
    Isla2023 Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    yes it does show standard allowance for a couple, carers element, but not my LCWRA element as this has not yet been linked. Claim started 22 July 26

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 9,040 Championing
    edited September 10

    Due to the ESA award you are classed as a "pre 2026" claimant and eligible for the higher LCWRA amount. This will mean your UC award before deductions will increase by £429.80.

    If I was you I'd put a note on the Journal (using the payment option) stating that LCWRA element is missing.

    Once everything has been corrected, you'll have the right figures to calculate any UC payment with the ESA deduction removed to help inform your decision.

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