I started working, and my ESA stopped, I've been told I need to claim UC. Any advice for assessment?

Mattie72

I started a job about 3 months ago. I let the DWP know and filled in a form for permitted earnings. However, I really don't like reading anything official so when looking at the web page for permitted earnings, I saw 16 hours per week and wrote that I was working 16 hours on the form. I received a letter telling me that my benefits had been stopped and also my Housing benefit and council tax reduction. I immediately contacted the DWP and charged my hours to 15.5. They took 6 weeks to inform me that I needed to claim Universal Credit because they had stopped the ESA. I spoke to an advisor with the CAB  and he worked out that I will get £73 per week and I will have to attend an assessment for my disabilities . This can take 3 or 4 months. I have had no money since June 29th. I get PIP and I am paying my rent with that. I have mental health issues and I am completely overwhelmed and exhausted. I was only employed for 9 weeks because I lost my job. I wasn't working quickly enough.  I have been told via my UC journal that I won't receive any money until 2nd October and no Housing benefit either. 

Would you have any advice about the assessment and what to expect?

poppy123456

Hi,

Permitted work rules for ESA specifically state that you can work less than 16 hours per week. You must not earn anymore than £143 per week. See link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

As you were working 16 hours then yes it was correct that your ESA then ended. The reason your housing benefit stopped was because DWP would have contacted your local council to tell them your ESA ended.

As you claimed UC after your ESA ended then your ESA award will not transfer across to UC. If you haven't already do so then you will need to report a health condition onto your journal and send a fit note from your GP. You will need to continue to send fit notes until a decision's been made on your work capability assessment. The process for this is exactly the same as it was for ESA. After 29 days you should be referred for a work capability assesment. You will then receive a work capability assessment form in the post. Once you've been assessed if you're placed into the LCWRA group then you will receive an extra £343 per month in your UC but this isn't paid until the 4 month from the date you reported the health condition.

You can claim an advance payment from UC but do be aware than this needs to be repaid back from future UC payments.

Your UC will include an element for your housing, as well as the standard allowance.

calcotti

Mattie72 said:....l that I won't receive any money until 2nd October and no Housing benefit either. 

Your Uc payments when they come should include help with rent (replacing you old Housing benefit).

You can request a UC advance but tis will have to be repaid by deduction from future payments.

Tori_Scope

Hi @Mattie72 Welcome to the community.

I hope that the above comments have been useful in helping you understand what should happen next, and what you need to do. You can read about work capability assessments on the Turn2Us website to remind yourself on what to expect.

Will you be able to keep up with important payments, such as your rent and bills, until you receive your UC payment? Are you able to get enough essential items, such as food? 

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your job, and that you're struggling with your mental health. Are you receiving any support for your mental health at the moment?