Contribution based ESA

I have completed the mandatory transfer to UC, but now I'm told that part of my ESA was contribution based (first Ive heard about it!). I got a letter telling me Ive got to have a telephone assessment (even though I'm in the Support group). I've been told to expect my UC payment on 10 October which will be considerably less than I was receiving on ESA. The letter for CBESA said I would be transferring to New Style ESA but Ive had no letters, phone calls or anything about this telephone assessment at all. I tried phoning the DWP were of no help, I've been told a letter with an appointment will come "eventually", but when that will be is anyone's guess. Do I just wait and hope I get a letter? I won't get any money from New Style ESA until I've had the assessment Im told. Should I just wait, and hope they get in touch with me? Your advice would be much appreciated.

Hi melrose

Following Managed Migration your Benefit payments will be administered differently than before in so far as you will get a monthly payment of UC and a separate fortnightly payment of New Style ESA. You should not be worse off as you will get Transitional Protection to keep your payments in total the same as they were before.
You don't have a telephone assessment for Migration it is just a 10 minute phone call at most to accept the basic Claimant Commitment for NS ESA. Some people have been paid the NS ESA before accepting the Claimant Commitment but I cannot guarantee this will happen to you.
If there are delays you could try sending a Journal Message with recipient the Work Coach.

David

David