Is voluntary migration to UC worthwhile

[Deleted User]

Hi, Me and my partner are wondering whether migration over to UC voluntarily is worth it? The stress of waiting for a migration notice is especially starting to effect my boyfriend. I've been told by Citizens Advice that if we wait our Support Group will be transferred automatically but that if we choose to do it well have to supply sick notes and attend a WCA. I don't know what to think to be honest. Any advice?

poppy123456

Part of the advice you were given is incorrect. Regardless of when you claim UC you will be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim, if you're in the Support Group.

Yes, they do ask for a fit note as part of the process but once your details have been sent to UC then you will no longer need any fit notes. Moving across doesn't automatically mean another WCA is needed.

Whether it's worth you moving across before managed migration will depend on your circumstances. If your ESA includes the SDP then you will be worse off if you claim UC.

If your ESA doesn't include the SDP then you maybe better off but you need to use a benefits calculator before applying.

[Deleted User]

I don't get SDP, I was advised online a few minutes ago that we may not even have to supply a sick note, just request some kind of form regarding my partner being in the Support Group when we attend the jobcentre for our first appointment. We have checked online and we will be better off on UC so we gonna wait until start of the New Year and do it then, a lot going on at the mo. Thank for your help.

[Deleted User]

I forgot to mention as not to cause confusion. I'm on my partner's ESA claim, he in the Support Group I'm not, even though we both get PIP.  I could never be bothered to go through the WCA process myself I didn't see the point. When I post messages on these forums I usually refer to the ESA as my claim, just to make things simpler.

calcotti

KerryBemmy said:

I forgot to mention as not to cause confusion. I'm on my partner's ESA claim, he in the Support Group I'm not, even though we both get PIP.  I could never be bothered to go through the WCA process myself I didn't see the point. 

You can't be on the Support Group on his ESA claim. However if you claimed ESA and were put through the WCA and were found to have LCW or LCWRA you would then be credited with NI credits towards your future State Pension. Currently you do not get any NI credits - you don't get them as a partner on his claim. 

KerryBemmy said:

I don't get SDP,

Any SDP would be included in his ESA claim because it's a premium in ESA.

Are you both getting Daily Living PIP? Do you live with any other adults? If so do they get any disability benefits?

If it is just the two of you (or if any other adults also get a disability benefit), both of you get Daily Living PIP and if nobody receives Carer's Allowance for looking you you are both entitled to SDP. A double SDP would increase his ESA by £138.80/week. If the SDP were to be included you will be worse off if you voluntarily switch to UC whereas your benefit amount will be protected at the moment of transition if you switch as part of the managed process.