Upcoming changes to benefits

Jamk85, your mention of Rayner has made me realise how silent she’s been in all of this. What happened to her being so passionate about preventing and ending poverty? Is she not aware of the level of destitution that harsh cuts will lead to?

I wish I could just give everyone in this forum a big hug, if they want to. I’m so glad I found this thread because I would have been sick with terror if I wasn’t able to speak to people who get it.

I’ve mentioned her before in this thread, as has another poster, but Dr. Jay Watts on Twitter (her username is Shrink_at_Large) is great. She’s a consultant clinical psychologist who does a lot of disability activism particularly with mental illness, and a few hours ago she tweeted this:

Which is really good. I hope more professionals speak out.

I want to try and do as much as I can… I still have quite a few contacts in journalism/politics (in Scotland not Westminster — but still helpful) and might have a think and see what the feeling is…

Just came on to post that. I’ve read the full article and if it’s true. Does that mean anyone who has to migrate over to UC from ESA this year is gonna lose their benefit regardless? If that’s true I’d rather not move over and save as much ESA as I can before the deadline. I still have my SAD (PIP) in Scotland to get me by if needed.

I’ve quoted the 2 sentences here.

“The changes to eligibility criteria have been estimated to hit about a million people and are set to be applied to new claims and reassessments of ­existing claimants.”

“Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, is expected to cut the top rate of incapacity benefit, which at present means those deemed unfit for any work are paid more than £800 a month, twice as much as jobseekers.”

I’m in the Income Related SG for ESA. I’ve still got 2 months to move over. I’m gonna wait a couple of days and see what happens. I don’t want to go through the process to migrate over only to be confirmed I’m not getting any Support benefit on UC.

I hope Labour get voted out soon as possible if these plans happen. They deserve everything they get coming their way. But that would mean the Tories back in charge or even Reform finally taking control. Sad times for the UK.

Living in Scotland, I’m hoping the SNP/Scottish Government maybe can take over the UC side of things like they did with PIP.

It is an unsettling time for all of us. I also have Physical and MH issues as well. I have written to my MP but haven't heard anything back. We just have to stick together and support each other the best we can. I never thought I'd see the day that a Labour Government would be doing this to the most vulnerable people in society.

Last year when my PIP was moved to Scottish Adult Disability Payment. I still get the same amount every 4 weeks. I didn’t have to do any reviews or reassessment and in my award letter my next reassessment isn’t for another few years away.

I Still have 2 months to migrate over from ESA to UC but if these cuts are going affect new claims and being told we won’t get the support group on UC then I won’t be moving over. I’m not going through this hassle just to have it confirmed I won’t be getting anything.

Anyone able to put screen shot of the times article up?

Is this likely to be the green paper stuff (washing etc)?

So confused by everything

I knew the Migraiton move was coming at some point this year. But now seeing the reports for new claims you won’t even get LCWRA or whatever it’s called it’s making me think what’s the point of moving over if it’s going affect new claims and I’m gonna get less money? I’d rather just save up my ESA over the 2 months and if I’m forced to work even though I can’t I’ll have to do it.

I'm beyond confused. If they abolish work capability assessments for Universal Credit then does that mean we all automatically go into intensive job searching conditions!? Is it going to just be 'work coach discretion' as to who decides who the few are that will be protected from those requirements.

It doesn't inspire confidence that they keep pushing back the release of the green paper. Gives the impression they are fiddling with the details right up until the last minute. Which suggests a badly thought out and panicked approach to something which should be treated very carefully and with respect.