Submitted claim for ESA migration to UC Support Group. What next? Follow up questions

Thanks Kittenface and OverlyAnxious.

In the end I quit bc the last section i had completed could not be clicked on (to change). Are you saying they later become clickable but at first they aren't?

Quite a surprise to look at the things i did - precise timings with them. Makes me look proficient tho I went back and forth a lot before clicking a lot through when I knew what i was doing.

You don't put anything on the application about your ESA award.

Once you've applied UC will ask ESA to confirm details of your previous award.

UC will then use those details to calculate your UC award.

Oh Wow by dumb luck looked at the thread but I did't get notifications by email again?

Oh thank you Kimi I thought you were kittenface19. Do you know how I can get the ID done with jusy Passport and Driving Licence?

Hi OverlyAnxious. You any idea? There's not just a mental reason I don't want to go but now I have a physical medical reason too. Not officially diagnosed but i have it and it could cause a lot of problems if I have to be somewhere at a certain time.

Oh wow! I really hope I can do that too then! Would be fantastic! I have to click 'submit' button now (not today tho i don't think!). It's a shame they dont move you to UC and end your ESA at the same moment. I will not know what's going on with bills and benefits. But…got to be done and that's the way it is.🤷‍♀️ I need to calm down.

An appointment will be posted on your Journal for verifying id.

The "we will call you" message seems to appear on some claims at the beginning, and in my case never get removed because it's been on there over 3 years 😂

As far as I know DWP don't undertake any checks regarding driving licences.

Hi @OverlyAnxious, Your post really resonates with me for a few reasons. I still have a licence and can drive but have only been able to on a few occasions since c October 2024 (c 20 miles in total).

I'm housebound mostly for a couple of other reasons but I was diagnosed with cataracts and corneal dystrophy, the latter causes blurred vision regularly so I wouldn't drive when I've got that (can't see the kerb) and I have a spatial awareness problem hence rarely driving. If I'm ok and drive 1 mile locally, I know I can pull over and get a cab home which I would if it suddenly came on which it never has once I'm out. If I've got the problem in the morning I can't go out that day at all.

It isn't reportable to DVLA as it only usually affects one eye at a time and you can legally drive with vision in only one eye.

None of us however would be legally driving if we know we've got a problem at that point with vision or any other medical problem (whether it's reportable or not) - our insurance would be invalidated and we'd be liable/responsible.

Funny enough, only this week my GP was questioning me on whether my optometrist has advised me to stop driving. I explained they'd not because it was affecting only one eye (two years ago). GP was then trying to encourage me to go out/drive 🙄🙄🙄😬🤨 - despite her knowing its now affecting both eyes simultaneously, albeit intermittently. As she wouldn't be responsible if I caused an accident I'll leave that advice where it belongs.

I'm waiting to go on a waiting list for a corneal transplant but I'm in no hurry because of the risks, long recovery time and being on my own with 4 dogs so I need what sight I've got and am willing/hoping my sight lasts me until I don't have my dogs as I can't manage on my own.

It's an interesting point you've raised though. I'm guessing your medical conditions are also not reportable so legally you can drive but you choose not to as you know how your conditions affect you. I'd hope most people with regularly fluctuating problems would not drive but, as there's many that drive without even insurance or MOT, I'm not so sure. Personally, I couldn't live with myself if I caused harm to somebody else. I've been considering getting rid of my car for the last few months but haven't been able to bring myself to so far!

You are right! I have a Date Time and Person specified. That is a bit of a relief now I can expect it at some time and not be on edge.

Although the Message is extensive it doesn't say how I show these things to the person? I'm on a land line. I can take pictures. Do they want these things during the call?

For anyone in the dark its called "Prepare for and attend your Biographical appointment by phone".

EDIT They must do checks otherwise why ask for it as ID and need permission to contact DVLA?

The biographical phonecall is only verbal questions relating to bank accounts, benefits, education etc. They won't ask to see any photo ID over a landline.

Hi,

I don't mind being tagged at all. I'm generally offline during the afternoons though. I try to pick up any notifications the next morning if they haven't already been answered by another member before then.

With respect, it looks like you're mixing up the different ways to confirm ID. If you go to a Job Centre, or have a home visit, then someone will physically look at your photo ID and any paperwork you have.

But if you have a biographical check over the phone, then you will only be asked questions about bank accounts and benefits etc, not about the paperwork that you have.

You will have to confirm ID one way or another. It took several weeks for me to confirm mine as I'm effectively housebound, can't get to a JC, can't cope with anyone in my property and can't speak on phones. As it sounds like you're able to manage the phone call, hopefully that will be all that's needed in this case.

Hi,

You can't rely on the journal staff for accurate information. That is just a standard list that's been copy & pasted onto your journal. It's not specific to your claim or a biographical ID check.

The reason it says copies will not be accepted is because that is the list for a face to face or home visit.

I understand you're hoping to avoid a face to face but none of us know exactly what questions you'll be asked on the phonecall. The best advice I can offer is to get as much ID as you have together before the phonecall. That will give you the best chance of being able to answer any questions that they ask.