The Universal Credit Bill becomes law. Here are the changes to disability benefits you need to know

Hi Socrates63,
Good point — politicians do seem to polish their backstories, and it often feels like image matters more to them than actually showing up for people. I think part of the problem is that some circles look down on anyone with a diagnosis, ignoring the realities of their lives and the diversity of their experiences. Politicians can fall into the same trap — reducing people to labels instead of seeing the bigger picture. Obviously they’re not all the same — I’ll always remember Uruguay’s former president, “the poorest president,” who lived so simply and put people first. Shows it can be done differently.José “Pepe” Mujica from Uruguay He donated about 90% of his salary to charity and to supporting small farmers and low-income people🍒

Hi, cherry 70,

Totally agree with your post about the Uruguay guy. I remember reading something very similar to what you said about him. Believe it or not it was apparently common knowledge in other parts of the world that at the time that Lenin did pretty much the same thing. Although he lived in the kremlin and did have servants to do his bidding, he was the 1st politician to only accept a working wage, so they say. So I do take on board what you said. What a crying shame that they are and always will be a very rare commodity.

Hi Catherine 21,

For what it's worth, ring cab. They will tell you when is the best time. My guess is they'll agree with you and do it after your next esa. A point in interest, I rang cab, they told me when to do it. They told me apply a month later. But that was because of rise at the time coming into effect (more pennies in effect). Cab were brilliant for me. I suggested a phone interview because I'm not tech savvy. They agreed. So I rang month later and pretty basic stuff. Bank details hb details if applicable etc. Lasted about 30 minutes. Told me not to worry about no passport. Said might need to go local jobcentre, but week later told me not needed. They arranged and rang my local council for hb(another form of ID). During next month couple of txt messages from uc asking me to ring. You have to play ball and ring when asked. They don't answer straight away. Anyway all sorted within 2-3weeks.iwas on esa before. They'll put you in new style esa plus uc. 2 different benefits. The uc being part of the health component. I was bit like you. Not sure when to go for it, but just asked myself that I knew it was coming so get it over with. Best thing I did when I rang them. Didn't wait 3months.whats the point? I had friend in same boat as me but he elected to go online with it. Nowt but trouble since. Good luck with the claim and all the best. For what it's worth I'd do it now, and plan for Xmas. All the best. Socrates

Hi WhatThe

I agree with what you say in your last post. I remember those days well No doubt you also know how an awful lot of people in Joe public don't know the sequence of events. They just remember tories taking over then manipulating esa then introducing what they thought was their jewel in the crown and there Chancellor introducing it in the commons as a "herculian" effort by IDS. Can't fault you what you said about the backbenchers who supported the bill(on every side). Makes me feel ill about IDS being compared to hercules.hercules' mother must be turning in grave!

Hi whatthe,

I remember it like it was yesterday.the sight of IDS standing in the doorway of the commons gloating with pride about himself and how Osborne praised his efforts still make me cringe even now.

Whatthe,

as a footnote we all know what IDS can do with his "salami slicing" theory as well don't we.

I was told to submit the form the day after my esa payment as it carries it on.. I then got a transitional payment a fortnight later.

Then I had the biographical phone call which was simple and quick then said I'd need go to jobcentre which I stressed about but was quick n nice lady but because the date of my jobcentre interview was after another fortnight I got another payment that I shouldn't have which was deducted from my first UC payment.

Am I the only one who feels like the constant changes to Universal Credit and disability benefits are really hard to keep up with? Every time I think I’ve understood what’s happening, something new comes along—cuts, freezes, protections, delays—and it’s so overwhelming.

I know the government says some people are “protected,” but … It doesn’t feel very disability-friendly or accessible when information keeps shifting and you have to dig through pages of rules just to know where you stand.

I’d love to know—does anyone else feel the same? How are you coping with all the updates? Do you have any tips for keeping track of what applies to you?

Cherry 🍒