Hi, my name is Annie30! Stressing about move from ESA to Universal Credit

Annie30
Annie30 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited July 28 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi,

I'm not really sure what to say, or even why I've joined but I'm at the point where I feel like I need to try something.

I'm 30, and I haven't really been able to leave the house in a few years, I wish I could explain why but I don't really know and it's gotten worse to the point I can't leave at all. I’m not officially diagnosed with anything, but I've been wondering for a while if I might be autistic. Although I don't think I'd ever get a diagnosis or if it would even help

A lot of services just don’t seem built for someone like me and it's a bit wearing to be honest. I spend most days feeling both bored and exhausted at the same time, which I know sounds weird but maybe someone out there can relate?

One thing I’m really stressing about is the move from ESA to Universal Credit. I’ve read that I’ll have to go to the Job Centre, and I don’t know how I’m supposed to manage that.

I feel lost, stuck in between things and unsure what the next step is.

Thanks for reading.

Annie x

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Comments

  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 13,344 Championing

    Hi @Annie30 welcome to the Community. I hope you enjoy your time on the forum. Any questions just ask.

    Have a look around and join in when you are ready.

    Take care.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,440 Championing

    If you are migrating from ESA Support Group then there won't be any work commitment appointments.

    Everyone applying for UC has to prove ID as all applications are treated as new claims, even when migrating.

    There are options to verify id online or a biographical phone call, where you are asked questions about personal details only you know.

    If both of those fail, you can either attend in person or request a home visit, but there is likely to be a wait for this and it may delay your first payment.

  • Socrates63
    Socrates63 Online Community Member Posts: 32 Contributor

    Hi annie30

    I see that you are worried about move from esa to u.c.. Have dwp been in contact with you about it yet? If not fine. If so, try not to worry. This is what I did. ring local citizens advice. Give them your details. you'll be given an option to either fill in form online or you can do it over the phone. I chose over the phone. that means when the time comes the local cab arrange an interview with yourselves and a member of dwp team asking you details about yourself. you'll need bank details, how much savings you have. Housing benefit if relevant, name of local council etc. basic stuff really. Tell them of your circumstances concerning going outdoors etc. Also tell cab that. When you have over the phone interview, believe it or not cab will be listening to the conversation over the phone and will interact with you and dwp if any pressure is put on you. mine went through easy enough. I told cab I'm not very good with laptop or computers, hence request for phone interview. As regards going jobcentre they wavered that and said it won't be needed. even though I had no proof of identity etc. That was in April this year and everything sorted and still fine for now. Hope this helps. I was just the same as you. constantly stressed. but I suppose we've all got to do it sooner or later. Bye for now, take care

    Socrates

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 6,440 Championing

    Yes Citizens Advice offer a Help to Claim service, they can support you before during and after your claim.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/contact-us-about-universal-credit/

    If you do decide to apply via phone, you will not have access to an online account (known as the Journal) and will have to administer your claim via phone.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,877 Championing
    edited July 27

    Hi,

    I can definitely relate to feeling both bored and exhausted!

    Also fairly sure I'm on the autistic spectrum. But I can't access the assessment services either.

    I am able to go for short walks outside though. I was GP-diagnosed with agoraphobia around 10 years ago but I hate being indoors so get out as much as I can. Wish I had a ground floor property so I could get out more but that's not looking likely any time soon. Is there anywhere you'd like to go if you could get out more? Or any hobbies that could be expanded outside of your home?

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 2,228 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @Annie30 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    Thank you for telling us a little bit about yourself. I see you've got some good advice and answers from our lovely members so I won't add much else today but I hope you enjoy your time on the community and find it to be a safe and supportive space😊

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