Moving from ESA to UC

[anonymous-28]

My son (42) has received notification that he must move from ESA to UC. I am nervous about the move as I'm concerned that I will make a mistake on the form which will cause him to lose hs benefits. I requested a form but it can only be done online. I do not have a copy of the original ESA form, which was completed many years ago. Does anyone have any experience/advice of moving from ESA to UC ? Even thinking about applying makes me feel ill.

[DrSarahmac]

hi. My daughter went from working tax credit to UC about five years ago and like you I was terrified because of all the scare stories. It took a while and the forms are very long and detailed but actually we were treated well and got a fair decision that had a positive financial outcome.

I used a charity that supports benefits claimants. It’s called Turn2us. They have guides that show you in detail what to include in each section (depending on your circumstances) to make sure you get the points you are entitled to and from there the right level of benefit.

It’s daunting but not the ordeal I was expecting. Keep a copy though. If you do have a telephone call you need to know what you’ve written. We had a call with a GP to clarify a few things and she was extremely kind and supportive.

Ask to also claim for LCWRA (limited capacity for work and work related activity) they don’t tell you about that it’s an extra payment if your son is unable to work more than 15hrs a week

Hope that helps. Sarah.

[Davezmith]

My daughter mice from ESA to UC.She as in the group that DID NOT need to seek work,as her disabilities were too great etc. Agreed and accepted as such by DWP(/there are 2 categories).You just need clarification that her status does not change in the transfer.

[anonymous-28 in reply to Davezmith]

Thank you. My son is also currently I the group that does NOT need to seek work. Was the transfer automatic or did you need to provide proof again?

[Davezmith]

I can only advise on our experience..

We ensured( and I suggest that you get DWP special needs advisor(*) involved and onside) that Managers arranging the transfer’ noted on her file,’ that she was not required to provide proof of seeking work-as per her ESA- and that this continued.

Should be enough but send(*) e mail in confirmation…

Good luck, but should not be an issue