UC AND NEW STYLE ESA HELP

mcman123

Hi,

I have worked with people with benefits for a long time but generally they wouldn't be applying for new-style ESA so have no idea about it. I've phoned ATOS today and they said they've made a decision on 30th May without me having to come in for an assessment (this is typical for me due to the severity of the issues). I'm assuming that I have probably passed the WCA.

I have two questions:

Because I'm on ESA new style, I understand that this would go up from 298ish to just over 400. Whereas if I was just on Universal Credit it would go up from 300ish to 600ish. Do you know if UC will pay me the difference (Around 200ish) as well as I'm on both?

Secondly, any idea how long it takes for the decision to go to DWP and then me as they made the recommendation to DWP on the 30th May.

I'm currently getting 300 ESA new-style assessment rate and 325 UC (deductions this is for rent). I'm also getting PIP which isn't affect at all by the process. If anyone who has experience of new-style ESA with UC let me know!

mcman123

I'm on pip ernhancved dailiy living but don't think that entitlesd em to ansything else within UC/edsa neww style

poppy123456

Hi,

When claiming New style ESA and UC the amount you receive from ESA is deducted £1 for £1 from your UC payments. 

If you're placed into the Support Group (LCWRA) you'll receive the extra money. You'll also see an increase in your UC monthly payment because you'll be receiving the LCWRA BUT the ESA is deducted £1 for £1. You will be slightly better off each month because you're claiming UC than if you were just claiming New style ESA.

There's advantages to claiming both New style ESA and UC. If your circumstances change in the future then savings/capital or living with a partner that works won't affect your ESA payments like they will with UC. UC is a means tested benefit, New style ESA isn't.

As it's New style ESA you're claiming there's no disability premiums available with this so your PIP award makes no difference here. There's no premiums paid on UC either.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the decision.

mcman123

Do you know how long it takes after the decision has been made? And financially I'll be no better or worse off on UC and NEWSTYLE esa is that correct? and I also get NI contributions paid which is good.

poppy123456

There's no timescales to decisions. It depends on backlog in your area.

You're not financially worse off by claiming both BUT claiming New style ESA can have it's advantages in the future as previously explained. UC pays claim 3 NI credits but New style ESA pay class 1.

mcman123

Yup, that's the reason I done it really. Well the decision has been made just have to wait, hope it's sooner rather than later.

poppy123456

The health assessment providers don't make the decisions, they make recommendations. DWP decision maker make the decisions.

mcman123

They didn't call me in for assessment and assessed my claim so I think they have recommended that I get the full amount as I had an absolute plethora of evidence saying that I cannot work at present. Is there a rough guideline for the Decision Maker or not really?

poppy123456

I've just re-read your first post. As this is your first work capability assessment and you had a paper based assessment then the decision should be to place you into the Support Group (LCWRA)

For others reading this, you can't be found fit for work without a face to face assessment (unless it's failing to attend or failing to return the WCA form). However, when it's your first work capability assessment a paper based assessment means Support Group (LCWRA)

Nader

poppy123456 said:

For others reading this, you can't be found fit for work without a face to face assessment (unless it's failing to attend or failing to return the WCA form). However, when it's your first work capability assessment a paper based assessment means Support Group (LCWRA)

Thanks for this piece of information Poppy. Very helpful to know!