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Opting to migrate to UC from ESA
- Whimsylph
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1 year 10 months ago #277431 by Whimsylph
Opting to migrate to UC from ESA was created by Whimsylph
I’m having to move this July as my landlord is selling the property I rent. Dreading the move as I have severe M.E. and am totally housebound. I’m in the Support Group of ESA (for 10+ years) and still on DLA. I might need to move to a new LA area, partly as rent is astronomical here and partly to be closer to family.
I am wondering if to voluntarily migrate onto UC while I’m still here with a supportive GP as having to go through the process after I move, when I will no doubt be feeling terrible, is daunting. Plus am I right in saying if I volunteer to do so, my ESA is then not cut off after two weeks. If I move to a new LA then I can risk all benefits cut off except DLA. . I am now more disabled than when put in the support group a decade ago and had no trouble getting into the support group (I know others have trauma over this). I might end up better off in UC though I know that is not a given. If anyone can advise, I’d be grateful.
Thanks
I am wondering if to voluntarily migrate onto UC while I’m still here with a supportive GP as having to go through the process after I move, when I will no doubt be feeling terrible, is daunting. Plus am I right in saying if I volunteer to do so, my ESA is then not cut off after two weeks. If I move to a new LA then I can risk all benefits cut off except DLA. . I am now more disabled than when put in the support group a decade ago and had no trouble getting into the support group (I know others have trauma over this). I might end up better off in UC though I know that is not a given. If anyone can advise, I’d be grateful.
Thanks
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- Gordon
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1 year 10 months ago #277466 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Opting to migrate to UC from ESA
Whimsylph
In principle there should be no difference in moving now or when you move, in both cases you are going to be making a new claim for UC and in both cases your ESA award should be migrated into UC, but there are some vagaries that you should be aware of.
You say you are receiving ESA but not what type, if you are only receiving Contribution Based ESA with no Premiums, then the equivalent rate under UC will be higher so there is some advantage to moving early.
If you are receiving Income Related ESA in whole or part then you may be better off staying on ESA until asked to move as you will probably be better off, especially if you live alone and are receiving the Severe Disability Premium.
If you move now then there will be some compensation for any Premiums you currently receive, do not under any circumstances cancel your ESA claim allow the DWP to do this.
UC will require a Claimant Commitment even if you are in the LCWRA Group (SG equivalent) this is a change from ESA. This may be as simple as checking your Journal on a regular basis but some members have still found this to be ojectionable.
UC is paid monthly, this can be changed but is difficult to do so, you may need to budget differently from how you do now and during the transfer process may find it difficult as UC does not normally go into payment until week 5.
Gordon
In principle there should be no difference in moving now or when you move, in both cases you are going to be making a new claim for UC and in both cases your ESA award should be migrated into UC, but there are some vagaries that you should be aware of.
You say you are receiving ESA but not what type, if you are only receiving Contribution Based ESA with no Premiums, then the equivalent rate under UC will be higher so there is some advantage to moving early.
If you are receiving Income Related ESA in whole or part then you may be better off staying on ESA until asked to move as you will probably be better off, especially if you live alone and are receiving the Severe Disability Premium.
If you move now then there will be some compensation for any Premiums you currently receive, do not under any circumstances cancel your ESA claim allow the DWP to do this.
UC will require a Claimant Commitment even if you are in the LCWRA Group (SG equivalent) this is a change from ESA. This may be as simple as checking your Journal on a regular basis but some members have still found this to be ojectionable.
UC is paid monthly, this can be changed but is difficult to do so, you may need to budget differently from how you do now and during the transfer process may find it difficult as UC does not normally go into payment until week 5.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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