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ESA and housing benefit, room eligibility and migration to UC

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1 month 3 days ago #295982 by Rox
Hiya!!

I just wanted to ask these questions, they are from my partner, if you can help with them at all, we would be most grateful:) Ive just been studying the 28 page ESA migration document, so I am starting to get some idea how that works....

"I am on ESA but not currently claiming housing benefit. In order to get help with housing will I have to change everything over to Universal Credit, or can I continue with ESA and just apply for the housing part on UC?"

"I am 60 and on ESA. Have lots of belongings, some of which are essential if I work again: but if I am only eligible for 1 bedroom, I will not have enough space. Is there any solution or help available for either additional living space, or storage or other type of let? "

"As ESA migrates into UC - is it likely that I will need to do LCWRA again? is it a big process to make the shift from one to the other?"

thank you so much for your time

Blessings

Sarah

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1 month 3 days ago #295987 by David
Hi Rox,

To answer your questions-
"I am on ESA but not currently claiming housing benefit. In order to get help with housing will I have to change everything over to Universal Credit, or can I continue with ESA and just apply for the housing part on UC?"

There aren't any new claims for Housing Benefit ( apart from sheltered housing etc ) so you will need to claim UC for help with housing costs. But as soon as you claim UC, ESA if its income based will end. Also if its Conts based it will become New Style ESA ( which is also conts based ).

"I am 60 and on ESA. Have lots of belongings, some of which are essential if I work again: but if I am only eligible for 1 bedroom, I will not have enough space. Is there any solution or help available for either additional living space, or storage or other type of let? "
No, unfortunately not. You have to be unwell and need a carer or room for such as a dialysis machine to be allowed the extra bedroom.

"As ESA migrates into UC - is it likely that I will need to do LCWRA again? is it a big process to make the shift from one to the other?"
UC migration doesn't cause a LCWRA review. Evidently there are some changes being proposed with regards to the WCA so best to listen to the Budget next week or look at the BenefitsandWork news section.

David

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