I've already moved to Universal Credit but I've received a letter from ESA...
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Hi,
For reference, most of the claimants who now get both NS ESA & UC haven't worked in the past.
I have seen just one case where a claimant was asked whether they wanted NS ESA or a full UC claim when migrating, but haven't seen anyone cancel their NS ESA claim after migrating. So you could ask NS ESA to end that claim after migrating. Once NS ESA ends then you should go to full UC without any ESA deduction. Just be aware that you will lose the Class 1 NI credits if you stop NS ESA. UC only provides Class 3 credits.
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Hey thanks for the reply, very helpful.
The logic of the DWP never ceases to amaze.
If I did ask for the New style ESA to be stopped, I wonder if that would end my transitional protection?
Also, in the real world what difference does Ni class contribution make? I’ve worked for years, i’ve not paid NI for a few years when younger, I’ve been unemployed, I’ve claimed IB, I was on CB ESA for years, I’ve been on IR ESA for years, predicted state pension is the same as anyone else’s as far as I can see, although I could be wrong.
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My fear for those on NS-ESA and UC, is NS-ESA payment may come within the scope of these new proposals to make it a time-limited benefit.
It is already time-limited, unless the claimant is placed in the support group.
I'm extremely suspicious of their desperation to differentiate between NS-ESA and IR-ESA going forward.
Unless they offer transitional protection to current NS-ESA claimants within the support group, I've resigned myself to losing the NS-ESA (no UC) I currently receive.
I don't see them offering that concession without a fight, and I suspect MPs will be more interested in those who also claim UC than the small cohort who can't/don't.
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You're welcome. You won't lose Transitional Protection because the deductions are made after the elements have been totalled.
Honestly, I'm still trying to find out what the real world benefits of Class 1 NI credits are myself. They do allow you to claim things like NS ESA & NS JSA - but only if you've worked and paid NI in the past 2 years, which won't be most UC LCWRA claimants. As you say, the state pension appears to be the same.
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Fascinating answers by most people I must say. Unfortunately I don't understand most of them. I get the impression that NS ESA plus uc is time limited. Is that correct? I ask because when I enquired to the esa department they assured me (after getting muddled up herself) that new style would not stop after 12 months. Was she wrong? I'm quite confused. And also the terminology baffles me. If I'm to get 281.10 NS Esa what do the £600 and odd deductions? Deductions from what? And also what is a full UC. payment? much appreciated for any answers. a very confused socrates.
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Hi,
If you get both UC & NS ESA then neither of those are time limited. They will continue for the the foreseeable future.
You will get £281.10 per fortnight from ESA. If you multiply that by 26 to get a full years rate, then divide by 12 to get a monthly rate, you end up with £609. For this reason, £609 is deducted each month from Universal Credit, as you are getting exactly that amount paid through ESA instead.
There's no such thing as 'full UC' because different people get different parts of UC and at different rates, so your full UC could be different to someone elses full UC.
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I've got it wrong, then. I always understood NS-ESA is time-limited unless the claimant is placed in the Support Group (LCWRA).
Every day's a school day!!
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You are right for new claims. But in cases like this, for claimants who migrate to UC & NS ESA from a dual legacy ESA claim, they will be put in the Support Group for NS ESA as well as LCWRA for UC without needing any further assessments.
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@OverlyAnxious thank you for that clarification. 👍️
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Hi again.
Phew!!
Just read some answers. Thanks all for answering. Made it much clearer when explained about multiplying by 26 then dividing by 12,why the lady at esa Dept. Didn't just say that it would've been far simpler to understand. I assume then that she was correct saying it would not stop after 12 months then. I must admit I was getting a bit paranoid how she kept getting muddled. Anyway, kind of makes me think what was the point in changing the situation only for it to remain the same if you get my meaning. Anyway thank you for your support and answers much appreciated. Socrates.
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Yes, that is correct, it won't stop after 12 months in your case.
For most of us, the switch from ESA to UC is a total switch. Unfortunately, for those of you that previously had partly Contributions Based ESA, the DWP legally have to continue giving you a non-means tested benefit alongside UC. That is the reason you end up getting NS ESA separately, and then having that all deducted from UC. I agree it is pointless for the majority of claimants who are in this situation.
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