eve wrote: I am on esa support and pip.I need a smaller property.I have a property i can swap with in a different local authority but am really worried about being forced on to U.C. As i am unsure how things stand now.As far as housing benefit is concerned and whether i would trigger a new claim for esa.I could not cope with a situation like this.Would it be best to stay under the local authority i am all ready with to avoid moving home even more stressful then normal.
It will depend on what type of ESA you receive, but moving from one Local Authority to another will require a
new claim for Housing Benefit. If the new LA is a Full Service UC area then HB will only be available via UC.
If you are receiving any Income Related ESA then this will also be transferred to UC and at the moment you will also lose any Premiums that you receive although the Government have promised to address this, they just haven't explained when and how.
Gordon
