Universal Credit Migration Letter

Hi elainep,

Yes it is possible to submit the new UC claim on the last day stated in the Migration letter. Though I think you maybe in error regarding the date of the annual ESA uprating. Last year according to the CPAG who are usually reliable ESA was updated on the first Benefit week after the 8th April. But to be sure I'll have to wait for the CPAG to publish their 2025 uprating dates. Here are last year's dates....
cpag.org.uk/dates-annual-benefit-rate-changes-202425

You can use your bank account on the UC form for the new claim. But it is supposed to be for just the first couple of months and then the claimant is expected to apply for their own bank account. A lot depends on the discretion of the Work Coach. However you could make your bank account official by asking to become a DWP appointee. Here are the salient details regarding appointeeship.....
To be eligible to be an appointee the following must be considered:

· the claimant must be incapable of managing their benefit affairs because of mental incapacity (or severe physical disability)

· an appointee is not appropriate if the claimant is simply unable to collect their benefits or no longer wishes to manage their own affairs

· claimants who can manage their own affairs but are unable to go to the bank, building society or post office may be able to arrange for a person they know and trust to collect their benefits on their behalf

Responsibilities

The appointee becomes fully responsible for acting on the claimant’s behalf in all the claimant’s dealings with the Department. This includes:

· claiming benefit/s, including completing and signing any claim forms

· collecting / receiving benefit payments and reporting changes in circumstances

· the appointee is also responsible for reporting any changes in their own circumstances that the Department may require. The following are examples:

o a change of name or address

o change of bank account

David