Work coach

perdita
perdita Online Community Member Posts: 107 Contributor
in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi,
Thanks for letting me join your group. 
I am currently feeling overwhelmed, confused and distraught.
A little background ,I am disabled needing a wheelchair to leave the house. I have a multitude of issues linked to my immune system. 
I am currently in receipt of PIP enhanced for both mobility and care. I am also receiving contribution ESA which is slightly reduced due to receiving a small private pension [I am 58]
I was advised by citizens advice that my husband and I could apply for UC which would top up our income. My husband is my carer.
I wish I hadn't started this process. I have been in the support group for ESA for approx 10 years and was assured that this would be transferred across to New style ESA (their equivalent)
However on meeting my work coach yesterday I was informed that there was no reason why I couldn't work. Was laughingly told it obviously wouldn't be in a warehouse. I was also told I would have to start the whole ESA process again sending in sick notes. 
If this is the case I  am going to be substantially worse off. Is there anything I can do to stop this and stay as I am? The coach made me feel very stupid and spoke to me like a child, whilst not knowing anything about me.
Sorry for the long post and any thoughts would be extremely welcome. Thank you.

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    As you’re in the Support Group for ESA then you’ll be entitled to the LCWRA element of UC from the start of your claim. 

    Your ESA will continue as normal but it will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. The same as your pension. 

    Part of the claims process when claiming UC is they often ask for a fit note until your details for ESA are sent across to UC. No further work capability assessment is needed and reviews are suspended anyway. 

    Put a message onto your journal and tell them you’re in the Support Group for ESA. Do you have a copy of a most recent ESA letter that you can show them? 
    Did your husband report being your carer when you claimed? 
    When did you claim UC? 
  • perdita
    perdita Online Community Member Posts: 107 Contributor
    Hi Poppy,
    Yes I am aware that it will all be deducted. Without the disability element of UC I wouldn't be entitled to anything. I took  a lot of advice before applying due to this issue. 
    As far as I am aware they know I am on ESA as there was a note on my journal for me to confirm I was in receipt of this.
    I do have several letters from the DWP regarding my ESA. is there a facility to add photos on your journal? 
    Yes my husband is on my claim as a carer which they have acknowledged. I started my claim 4 weeks ago. I have had one work coach meeting and another is scheduled in two weeks time.
    Thank you for your time helping me it is much appreciated.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    If you’ve already confirmed that you’re In the support group then extra evidence shouldn’t be needed. It’s not unusual for it to take quite a few weeks to transfer your details across.
    Once it’s done you will need to agree to your new claimant commitments and you will not longer need to attend appointments, exactly like your ESA. 
  • perdita
    perdita Online Community Member Posts: 107 Contributor
    Thanks 

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