Whilst we still have no definite start date for the process, the comments sections of Benefits and Work articles on ESA to UC migration have been filled with readers’ fears and uncertainties.
We already have a 28 page members guide to ESA to UC migration. But as a result of the many issues raised we have now supplemented this with an 11 page collection of answers to FAQs for members, which we hope covers most of the main issues that have been raised.
The FAQs cover:
Managed migration
- Will managed migration affect me?
- How will I know when I have to move to Universal Credit?
- Do I have to wait for managed migration?
- I don’t want to move to UC – can I appeal?
- Will managed migration affect my PIP and other payments?
Making a claim
- What if I can’t claim by the deadline on my migration notice?
- I’ve missed my managed migration deadline, and I didn’t ask for an extension beforehand – what can I do?
- How do I make my claim for UC? Do I have to talk to someone on the phone?
- Will I have to explain how my health conditions affect me on the UC application?
- Will I have to provide a fit note or prove I am unfit for work if I am moving to UC from ESA?
- Will I have to go to the Jobcentre to show them my ID?
- What happens if I don’t have any photo ID?
- Will I have to go to the Jobcentre to verify my identity?
- Who can help me make a claim?
The amount of UC
- Will I get the same amount of money as I did on ESA?
- When will I know how much UC I will receive?
- My first payment is lower than I was getting from legacy benefits – what should I do?
Requirements whist receiving UC
- I have already had a Work Capability Assessment for ESA – will I need another one?
- Do I have to agree a claimant commitment?
- Do I have to attend in person to sign my claimant commitment?
- Will I have a work coach if I am in the support group?
- Will I have a work coach if I was in the ESA work-related activity group?
- I am an appointee for someone who was claiming Income-related ESA – what does managed migration mean for me?
The document includes all the health condition related questions you will be asked and has detailed examples of how your UC, including the transitional element, is worked out.
We’ll be adding to this document over the coming months as more issues are raised by readers.
Members can download the ESA to UC Managed Migration FAQs from the ESA/UC guides page.
