ESA to UC Migration

Hi Jon

Here is the view of a Forum member on this subject...
"
Hi, had my telephone appointment. It had been rescheduled and the letter emailed to me about the new appointment was a bit more 'personal' . It stated 'We have arranged a telephone interview with a work coach. At this interview you will need to agree and accept your claimant commitment. The claimant commitment is your record of the actions that you need to take to continue getting New Style ESA. It will not include any work-related activities' It also describes it as New Style ESA New Joiner (Migrated Claim as UC Claim). Why on earth was I so worried, there was literally nothing asked. The coach/advisor simply stated why the call is needed, it was to update the claim as I had migrated. Then went through basic security questions (the only questions asked!). I was then told they need to know I am aware to report any changes. This is done by them simply telling you. Thats it. They will email you or post a letter for your records. I was also told that if I needed any help or had any problems with payment to contact said person who would raise it in head office in Belfast where the payments are done. I could use the UC journal for the case manager but if no joy for ESA related matters contact them. THere was absolutely no prying or tricks. It literally, if you dont ask any questions, be over in 3 mins. The letter calls it an interview that will last 30 mins, and we will ask you about your health. They know I was in support group, but in the call it was not mentioned only stated I just need to inform them of any changes like others have said. Hope this puts peoples mind at rest "

David

Hi Jon

HB was paid every four weeks whereas UC is Paid monthly, you have your assessment period and then you get paid 7 days later.

Unless you get transitional protection, claimants in receipt of ESA and Disability premiums such as SDP and EDP will be worse off.

We would advise you to seek advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation: advicelocal.uk. where they can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving you advice.

Gary

Hi Jon

There will be a gap between claimants receiving ESA and UC, what the government has done to cover this period is to offer an Advanced payment if you are in financial need. This is why we advise claimants to get the timing right, apply just after ESA payment has gone into their bank a/c.

The advanced payment will be recovered from subsequent payments, usually within a maximum of 23 months.

Gary