My daughter has been in receipt of contribution based ESA for many years. She also receives PIp and Housing Benefit. She has received a letter telling her she must apply for Universal Credit if she wants to continue to get Housing Benefit. Does she really have to do this changeover? And, if so, will she keep her ESA but receive a top up for housing, or will she only get UC?
Housing Benefit is being phased out for most people altogether and I expect that is the case with your daughter unless she lives for instance in Supported Accomodation. Instead of getting Housing Benefit to help with her rent she will receive the Housing Element of UC. Her PIP and ESA contributions will remain unchanged. If she is in the ESA Support Group then this will be carried across to the equivalent in UC which is called the LCWRA group and she won't have to attend interviews for Work Preparation at the Jobcentre. Nobody is going to force your daughter to claim UC but if she doesn't she won't receive any help with the rent.
Hope this helps. David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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