Can I reclaim ESA?

[Gogegaribova]

Hi, I was getting ESA and was on support group until 2019, resently when I went to see housing benefit in Hounslow after - housing benefit send me a letter that I have to close ESA & apply for universal credit due to my working age-(55). I have applied for universal credit (full service), and somebody told me that I shouldn't close ESA! What to do? I've got fibromyalgia , sciatica, arthritis, depression, osteopenia, etc. Get tired easily, pain all over my body, pins and needles from shoulder dawn to my feet, walking standing & sitting difficulty,sleeping disorder etc. I need help please. xx

[tulips123]

I think you should def. re-apply for ESA! Not an expert but that sounds totally wrong! Maybe talk to Citizens Advice?

Good luck! xx

[Gogegaribova in reply to tulips123]

Many thanks! I'll definitely call ESA tomorrow, I am shocked!

[tulips123 in reply to Gogegaribova]

They're in a World of their own! xx

[Hidden in reply to tulips123]

Hi hun , like Tulips I agree, contest the instruction to stop ESA, I would never go on U.C the word credit tells all!! You are entitled to ESA until you are 64 I am told. I was advised to apply for c.tax help and avoided, I have a housing officer and contact with a local Welfare Rights officer who said I should have both,, go to CAB they will give you correct details.

[Gogegaribova in reply to Hidden]

Today I called ESA to reapply- and she said No I can't go back to ESA. 😞

[Gogegaribova in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much xxx

[Gogegaribova]

Very true! 🙈

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi

I am afraid I am not a benefits expert. I think your best bet would be to get some advice from the CAB.

I don't know anything at all about Universal Credit other than I thought that ALL benefits came under the UC umbrella so maybe that's why you've received the letter?

I am sorry that I cannot help you any further with regard to ESA.

Perhaps give the DWP a call on Monday?

Good luck

Lu xx

[Gogegaribova in reply to BlueMermaid3]

Thank you ! Will do. xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Gogegaribova

I am not actually sure on this myself? I am sure on the news they said where Universal Credit was introduced that it replaced all other benefits? FMA UK do have a benefit adviser, (Janet) and I have pasted her contact details below. I would think that she would know the answer to this:

FMA UK Welfare Benefits Helpline - 0300 999 0055

Opening times: Mon 10.00 am - 12 noon; and Fri 10.00 am - 12 noon.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Gogegaribova in reply to TheAuthor]

Many thanks.

[TheAuthor in reply to Gogegaribova]

Good luck my friend

[Rose54]

Hi

Please see link moneyadviceservice.org.uk/e...

Normally DWP would write to you asking you to apply for UC

Eventfully anyone on ESA will be transferred

It will be a monthly payment that includes

H/B CTB ESA or JSA

PIP will still be pain monthly separate to UC

[Gogegaribova in reply to Rose54]

Thank you Rose

[ukmsmi4]

Hi Gogegaribova

Although I am on ESA I am by no means an expert as benefits are like a minefield to me.

However, just thought I would let you know I have found this on the CAB website which may help. citizensadvice.org.uk/nirel...

As Rose54 says it is my understanding that they are aiming to introduce UC everywhere over the coming years, but I have no idea if you have any choice or say in the matter.

Hope you can find your answers

Gentle hugs, Margaret. xxx

[Gogegaribova in reply to ukmsmi4]

Thank you Margaret xxx

[Gogegaribova]

Thank you to all of you for your support. Xxx