MIGRATION

I have read here and elsewhere that current IB claimants will be migrated to ESA starting in 2010.

I have a number of questions

1. Does anyone know if migration has started or is actually imminent ? Anyone know of anyone already being migrated ?

2. When migration applies is it likely DWP will overide the IB review date already fixed ? It seems to me unlikely because otherwise they would lose the chance to remove tens of thousands or more from benefit who would fail the ESA test although passing the PCA

3. Is the IB rate likely to be transitionally protected ?

I would think it is likely that I'm one of the early ones to be migrated, as my next medical assessment is on the 5th of January. (At home, for a pleasant change)

I've thought about asking if I could migrate to Jersey instead, but I have a feeling I'm not in the correct type of Jet Set?

I'll keep you all up to date on the resulting saga, and my next 2 year fight for survival and recompense, until I'm 60. Then maybe, I'll be waiting for the cattle truck? Especially if/when the masses vote for the Tories!


Angelica.

Hi Dragon,

I completed a new incapacity form earlier this year, I have been long term incapacity. I didnt have to go to medical, and received a letter stating that my next review date will be 2011. I dont expect that I will hear anything until then. And off course, I am expecting the worst like everyone else.

Not going to let it small my Christmas this year though.

Kathy

Fast answers:

1. Migration imminent, supposed to start around 2010

2. If your review falls on the "wrong" side of the migration deadline, then you'll be facing an ESA review, not an IB one. They won't override the date, but they will override the type of medical you get, you'll be told you're going to an ESA type medical before it happens though.

3. According to my sources at the DWP the answer is yes.

Addendum:

If you satisfy the PCA by a substantial margin the chances are the basic ESA test will mean you qualify - HOWEVER - getting into the support group is considered substantially harder than the PCA, so do expect to be placed into the Work Related group, at least initially. You will almost certainly have to appeal unless you wish to face the jobcenter and associated evils thereof.

According to my information 95 per cent of the customers who get ESA end up in the work related group.
But thanks for the info. I interpret is as they wont migrate claimants into a possible earlier medical on migration and transitional protection of benefi9t rate should apply.