Changing to Universal Credit

[Suzyb2711]

Hi all

Just received phone call saying PIP is going ahead and details to follow .

Went to sign on for jobseekers today and new job coach has said now getting PIP I should apply for universal credit as I'm not fit for work ..... only moved over from ESA as they said I was fit lol.

Will the money change much does anybody know ?

What happens if I'm still deemed fit to work ?

Already stressing and haven't even looked at the form yet .

Any advise ?

Many thanks

Sue

[Suzyb2711]

Thank you for your reply .

I think I will contact CAB and see what they think as money is already an issue and don't want to be worse off .

Job coach said that if she phoned me with a job tomorrow I wouldn't be fit so jobseekers is the wrong benefit ..... it was them that put me on it but have only just won my appeal for PIP which seems to be why she's suggested the change .

Honestly you come out from the jobcentre with a pounding headache and confused lol

[Rose54]

Hi

PIP does not mean your not fit to work so thay have that wrong

Universal Credit is applied for on line .

It is also takes in the income of the whole household so some are worse off

its a monthly payment that includes H/B

Its being rolled out for everyone eventually

[smyles in reply to Rose54]

As above the only benefit it doesn’t include is council tax for some reason. I find that really stupid.

[Rose54 in reply to smyles]

Hi

It will over the next few years incorporate more Benefits

[Livonia]

Hi my support worker tells me there’s a lot more hoops to metaphorically jump through for universal credit and it’s less money than the combination of esa support group and pip. It’s especially difficult to deal with orocess im told if yu have mental health problems which I do. The esa process I found very upsetting and intrusive. Personally I wouldn’t apply for universal credit unless forced to and in my area people aren’t being transitioned for a few more years yet. Remember universal credit replaces both esa and housing benefits. Get advice maybe phone the scope disability line if cab not free

[Suzyb2711]

Thank you I'll give them a ring and see what they advise .

I had to move from ESA to jobseekers as was fit for work then my DLA finished so had to apply for PIP which I didn't get until I went to tribunal and won the standard care element . Now I've been awarded that my new job coach is saying universal credit has more provision for health / disability issues as I could be sanctioned if refused work which she thinks I'm not fit for at the moment .

It's a nightmare as just as everything starts to run smoothly they move the goal posts again.

I shall ring around for some advise .

Thanks for your reply x

[Hidden]

I think Universal credit replaces ESA ... I read that it pays out all the benefits you receive in one sum on a monthly basis. However it is a grey area and advice is essential so you know what you are getting and when.

[andyglasgow2016]

I work full time and still get PIP so it has no relation to your physical capability to work.

[Hidden]

I know... it's not ideal at all..

[releasethemagic]

If you get assessed as being unable to work, you won't have to carry on signing on and proving you are seeking work under the Jobseeker contract. But if they put you in the Work Related Activity Group - you would have to do what they ask of you and attend courses to prepare you to return to work.

The basic ESA rate is the same as Jobseekers, but if you get more than that on Income grounds or because you qualify for the Support Group , it is more complicated. You need help from a benefits expert. Try your Citizens Advice Bureau.

[Suzyb2711 in reply to releasethemagic]

Thank you . I will ring and get some advice