New Style ESA

I applied for new style esa and universal credit in June 2021. I received uc quickly and also had a telephone interview with work coach in July which resulted in me receiving client commitments which were just for reference. Both meetings with my coach and wok preparations were ticked as this does not apply to me. I had to complete the health assessment form for both esa and uc and had a work capability health assessment in November. I haven’t heard any more. I understand that payments of esa affect uc payments. I just want to know what group I’m in. What do you think? Will I be notified about ESA group?

Hi Jennifer

Payment of NS ESA will affect UC, you have to remember that NS ESA is contribution based whereas UC is means tested.

Depending on your circumstances you get a standard allowance for UC, if you are placed in the LCWRA group then you will get an additional element of £343.63 paid with your UC each month.

Yes you should be notified as to what group you have been placed in, there is a choice of 3. Only one of the 3 will result is an extra element being paid.

The first group is, you have been found 'fit for work'
The second group is, you have been placed in the LCW group,
The third group is, you have been placed in the LCWRA group and receive an extra element in your UC (£343.63 pm).

If you are placed in group 1 or 2 you can request a MR, but the first thing you need to do is contact UC and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a UC 85, you can contact via your Journal, I would also contact the UC helpline.

Gary