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ESA voluntary move to UC
- thedoublehazecraze
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4 years 3 months ago #254659 by thedoublehazecraze
ESA voluntary move to UC was created by thedoublehazecraze
dear fellow forum goers,
I am really confused. I have been on ESA for a long time. I was initially placed into the work related activity group which I had tried to appeal but with no success. However, even in the work related group, they didn't ask me to do anything.
Now, due to needing to claim housing benefit I read that I need to apply to universal credit.
What will happen to my ESA status? Will I need to be reassessed again?
I'm worried they will not give me help with housing and that I need to go through the ESA process all over again.
Anyone been in the same situation or can advice me?
I am really confused. I have been on ESA for a long time. I was initially placed into the work related activity group which I had tried to appeal but with no success. However, even in the work related group, they didn't ask me to do anything.
Now, due to needing to claim housing benefit I read that I need to apply to universal credit.
What will happen to my ESA status? Will I need to be reassessed again?
I'm worried they will not give me help with housing and that I need to go through the ESA process all over again.
Anyone been in the same situation or can advice me?
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- Gary
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4 years 3 months ago #254663 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic ESA voluntary move to UC
Hi thedoublehazecraze
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is.
Welcome to Benefits and Work .
The first questions I would ask you is what type of ESA are you receiving IR or CB? do you receive any premiums with your ESA such as SDP?
If you were in the WRAG then you would have completed a claimant commitment. Depending on what was written in your claimant commitment would have been the reason why you were not asked to do anything.
If you have not applied for HB before and not in receipt of a SDP then you will need to apply for UC to get any help with your rent unless you live in supported accommodation, in which case some schemes will be exempt from UC but not all.
Depending on your ESA status, if you apply for UC, you will need to give your work coach a 'Fit note' from your doctor. When applying for UC which is done online you need to include all your rent details including service charges. It can take over 5 weeks to get your claim into payment, if it is going to cause you any issues let your landlord know especially if it is a social landlord.
You can apply for an advance payment when you first talk with your work coach.
You may need to get advice from your local welfare rights adviser who can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving advice.
Gary
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is.
Welcome to Benefits and Work .
The first questions I would ask you is what type of ESA are you receiving IR or CB? do you receive any premiums with your ESA such as SDP?
If you were in the WRAG then you would have completed a claimant commitment. Depending on what was written in your claimant commitment would have been the reason why you were not asked to do anything.
If you have not applied for HB before and not in receipt of a SDP then you will need to apply for UC to get any help with your rent unless you live in supported accommodation, in which case some schemes will be exempt from UC but not all.
Depending on your ESA status, if you apply for UC, you will need to give your work coach a 'Fit note' from your doctor. When applying for UC which is done online you need to include all your rent details including service charges. It can take over 5 weeks to get your claim into payment, if it is going to cause you any issues let your landlord know especially if it is a social landlord.
You can apply for an advance payment when you first talk with your work coach.
You may need to get advice from your local welfare rights adviser who can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving advice.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- thedoublehazecraze
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4 years 3 months ago #254743 by thedoublehazecraze
Replied by thedoublehazecraze on topic ESA voluntary move to UC
Thanks Gary!
Its ESA IR I get.
I have no memory of what commitment I agreed to at the time unfortunately, its so long ago , it was so stressful and my memory is not so good.
Would I still need a fitnote if my condition should be documented with DWP? Will they not review information they have about me?
Its ESA IR I get.
I have no memory of what commitment I agreed to at the time unfortunately, its so long ago , it was so stressful and my memory is not so good.
Would I still need a fitnote if my condition should be documented with DWP? Will they not review information they have about me?
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- Gary
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4 years 3 months ago #254747 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic ESA voluntary move to UC
HI thedoublehazecraze
If you do not receive a SDP component with your IR ESA then you will have to apply for UC to get the housing element. UC is a different department, they may transfer you over but it is advisable to get a 'fit note' from your doctor, they more than likely will send you a UC 50 form to complete which is the same as your ESA 50 form apart from the name.
Personally I would explain to your doctor that you are changing benefits and require a fit note just in case the DWP ask and they don't do an automatic transfer.
Gary
If you do not receive a SDP component with your IR ESA then you will have to apply for UC to get the housing element. UC is a different department, they may transfer you over but it is advisable to get a 'fit note' from your doctor, they more than likely will send you a UC 50 form to complete which is the same as your ESA 50 form apart from the name.
Personally I would explain to your doctor that you are changing benefits and require a fit note just in case the DWP ask and they don't do an automatic transfer.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- thedoublehazecraze
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4 years 3 months ago #254792 by thedoublehazecraze
Replied by thedoublehazecraze on topic ESA voluntary move to UC
Thank you Gary,
Oh, I thought that if you had been assessed on ESA they shouldn't reassess you . I read somewhere that this has to happen under " transitional regulation 19" whatever that means
Oh, I thought that if you had been assessed on ESA they shouldn't reassess you . I read somewhere that this has to happen under " transitional regulation 19" whatever that means
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- Gary
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4 years 3 months ago #254795 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic ESA voluntary move to UC
Hi thedoublehazecraze
You will be re-assessed at some stage when you are on ESA, your claim will continue until your have been found fit for work
You are getting things slightly mixed up, unless you live in the Harrogate area, most people go on to UC if there is a change in their circumstances (and not receiving a SDP) such as a partner moving in or out and have to apply for HB to help with housing costs.
www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1230/regulation/19/made
Gary
You will be re-assessed at some stage when you are on ESA, your claim will continue until your have been found fit for work
You are getting things slightly mixed up, unless you live in the Harrogate area, most people go on to UC if there is a change in their circumstances (and not receiving a SDP) such as a partner moving in or out and have to apply for HB to help with housing costs.
www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1230/regulation/19/made
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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