New to ESA & UC - CONFUSED

Mands1990
Mands1990 Online Community Member Posts: 8 Connected
in Benefits and income

Hi,

I began getting ESA payments in October 2025 as my chronic illness has prevented me from working. I wasn't entitled to any UC as my partner had a job. I've had to move in with my parents to help care for me and we are no longer together. I changed the circumstances with UC and attended a meeting today where the agent couldn't tell me how much I am likely to receive on UC if any. He said he didn't know how the ESA payment wouldn't affect my UC claim. For context, I am still in the assessment period of ESA and have not been placed into a group yet. I don't have rent payments to pay. He said that he couldn't advise that the standard amount is £400 but wasn't sure if I would get it because of ESA. Does anyone know at all?? I have bills coming out on 1st Feb and I won't be able to see a statement until the 4th on UC. I am in panic Central now as I still need to make mortgage payments etc until that has all been resolved. I don't even know if I can get an advance if I'm not going to be entitled to anything. I'm so confused and the agent couldn't help me.

Thanks.

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Comments

  • knight10
    knight10 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    So in essence what is it that you want, I'm not being arrogant

  • Mands1990
    Mands1990 Online Community Member Posts: 8 Connected

    To find out if anyone has any helpful info on if ESA is taken from your UC payment so I know if I have enough money to pay my bills....

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 4,444 Championing

    My NS ESA is deducted in full from my UC.

  • Mands1990
    Mands1990 Online Community Member Posts: 8 Connected

    Thank you. That's what I thought was going to happen.

  • Chris75_
    Chris75_ Online Community Member Posts: 4,444 Championing
    edited January 27

    I don't lose out, but by claiming NS ESA, it am still getting credited Class1 NI.

  • Biblioklept
    Biblioklept Online Community Member Posts: 568 Trailblazing

    @Mands1990 you might have another issue too, you said about having a mortgage so assume you used to own the property you were living in, but as you're not living in there now, it might count as capital/savings. If it's worth more than 16,000 you may be unable to claim UC at all unless it is exempt (for example if you were living in it)

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,828 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Great point @Biblioklept. I've had a look into it @Mands1990 and found the following:

    The DWP will assess how much your property is worth and if your share of the property is worth more than £16,000 you usually cannot get UC. However, they'll disregard the property if:

    I hope this is helpful for you.

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