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New Style ESA/UC
- soulgal
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3 weeks 1 day ago #315921 by soulgal
New Style ESA/UC was created by soulgal
Hello
I currently receive NS ESA and a small amount of UC.
Am I entitled to request to close my NS ESA claim and just claim UC instead? (I am aware of the pros and cons of this e.g. savings over £16,000 and the difference to Class 1/Class 3 NI payments towards state pension).
Most importantly if I can and do choose to close my NS ESA claim will I lose my transitional protection that I currently receive on UC?
Also, even more importantly will I continue to remain the UC LCWRA group. (I was previously in the ESA Support Group and had a managed migration in June 2025)?
Many Thanks
soulgal
I currently receive NS ESA and a small amount of UC.
Am I entitled to request to close my NS ESA claim and just claim UC instead? (I am aware of the pros and cons of this e.g. savings over £16,000 and the difference to Class 1/Class 3 NI payments towards state pension).
Most importantly if I can and do choose to close my NS ESA claim will I lose my transitional protection that I currently receive on UC?
Also, even more importantly will I continue to remain the UC LCWRA group. (I was previously in the ESA Support Group and had a managed migration in June 2025)?
Many Thanks
soulgal
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3 weeks 21 hours ago #315933 by David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by David on topic New Style ESA/UC
Hi soulgal
No you won't lose your UC Transitional Protection. Your UC payment including the Transitional Protection is calculated first and then the NS ESA is deducted £ for £.
UC is what is known as a " passporting Benefit " and allows access to various assistance from the NHS and Local Authorities etc. So in some circumstances it may be preferable to keep receiving UC rather than NS ESA.
Closing your NS ESA claim will not affect your LCWRA status.
The NHS has a low income scheme:
www.entitledto.co.uk/help/nhs-low-income-scheme-under-60s
Let us know how you get on.
David
No you won't lose your UC Transitional Protection. Your UC payment including the Transitional Protection is calculated first and then the NS ESA is deducted £ for £.
UC is what is known as a " passporting Benefit " and allows access to various assistance from the NHS and Local Authorities etc. So in some circumstances it may be preferable to keep receiving UC rather than NS ESA.
Closing your NS ESA claim will not affect your LCWRA status.
The NHS has a low income scheme:
www.entitledto.co.uk/help/nhs-low-income-scheme-under-60s
Let us know how you get on.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- soulgal
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3 weeks 5 hours ago #315941 by soulgal
Replied by soulgal on topic New Style ESA/UC
Hi David
Many thanks for your reply and explanation, it is very much appreciated.
I think in my case I would be better off just claiming UC as I am quite likely to lose it in April 2027 due to the increase in benefit rates and my occupational pension. As you pointed out, UC is a "passported" benefit and I would lose these benefits which would make me worse off financially overall.
I will probably contact ESA about closing my claim early next year but I have an anxiety disorder (amongst other things) and this is something that has been worrying me a lot.
Best Wishes
soulgal
Many thanks for your reply and explanation, it is very much appreciated.
I think in my case I would be better off just claiming UC as I am quite likely to lose it in April 2027 due to the increase in benefit rates and my occupational pension. As you pointed out, UC is a "passported" benefit and I would lose these benefits which would make me worse off financially overall.
I will probably contact ESA about closing my claim early next year but I have an anxiety disorder (amongst other things) and this is something that has been worrying me a lot.
Best Wishes
soulgal
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2 weeks 6 days ago #315946 by David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by David on topic New Style ESA/UC
Hi soulgal
Thanks for your update and good luck!
David
Thanks for your update and good luck!
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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