Other benefits that affect Universal Credit

Hello @kiny333

That journal message is generated almost immediately after your ID is confirmed after you have submitted your UC claim. What then happens is UC scans the system which they share with other benefit systems to identity if you are getting what is known as an 'overlapping benefit'. An overlapping benefit is one which affects how much UC you can be paid.

The system has discovered that part of your ESA is contribution based. That's what it means when it says 'Our records show that you are getting Employment and Support Allowance'. Therefore, even though your UC Migration notice said you will have to apply for UC by a certain date, because otherwise your Income-related ESA will end, only the income-related part of your ESA will end and be migrated to UC.

The contribution-based part of your ESA will continue and be converted into New Style ESA. You will continue to be paid about £281.10 (standard allowance and support group) every 2 weeks in arrears. You will be contacted to agree a separate claimant commitment, which is just a basic 5 minute phone call I think (others can verify) to agree to notify any changes in circumstances.

You basically had a mixed ESA award - contribution/income-related ESA. That's what that message means, but the income-related part of it has definitely ended.

Conversely, some people get that exact same journal message and are told that there is no record of them getting any other benefits affecting their universal credit, like I did. That's because my ESA award was wholly income-related and had no underlying contribution based element.

Hope that helps.

Asia23

You're welcome @kiny333. Glad to help. Lots of people have been confused by that message.

I edited my comment above because I forgot to mention that your New Style ESA amount will be deducted £ for £ from your UC payment. But, I assume you may already know that.

Good luck with the rest of your migration process!