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Got the dreaded ESA to UC migration letter

2 replies

AlmostAJillSandwich · 21/01/2025 12:05

Been dreading it, was comforted by the initial plan for it to be by the end of 2028 for those just on income related ESA without anything additional like tax credit or housing benefit because we were last on the list, but then they moved it up to by September this year.
Its a pain that i'll have a 3 week period of no money, though appreciate its not as bad as those making a none migrated claim who go 5 weeks unpaid, but it's still a massive worry how i'll make that last payment stretch 3 extra weeks. I have really bad anxiety (partly why i was on ESA, and in support group) so i'm worried something will go wrong, and am really hoping i don't have to have a full on re-assessment of how my conditions prevent me from working, to get the ESA support group equivalent of LCWRA. I've been burned in the past by a bad assessor who made me out in his report i was healthy and fully capable and lost ESA during the appeal process, and i just don't think i could cope through that again now i don't have a 2 parent support system to fall back on.
Also a bit worried at them seeing my meagre "savings" but not seeing my credit card debt balances that wipe that ammount out completely. I keep the small savings instead of paying credit cards in full and having 0 to fall back on in an emergency.

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 21/01/2025 13:24

If you're in the Support Group now then you should automatically be put into LCfWRA in UC.

If your savings don't affect ESA then they shouldn't be a problem in UC. Both have essentially the same structure for capital. If you've more than £16k you're not, barring a handful of exceptions, eligible. If you've more than £6k but less than £16k tariff income is applied in more or less the same way.

ESA will pay a run on of 14days benefit to help over the wait period.

If you want to talk to an expert then, as ever, my suggestion is to call Help to Claim

Vates · 22/01/2025 07:33

I also received my migration letter recently and it is a worry. I just have so much going on at the minute that it all feels too much at once. But it has to be dealt with so I will take it one step at a time. You will get through it too!

My Sister has been very supportive and says she will help as much as she can (she's got a very busy life though, full time work and young kids). She's always helped with phone calls, assessments and medical appointments for me.

The Martin Lewis Money Saving website has a forum with a benefits board and there are some very knowledgeable members on there that answer questions. I have found it very helpful at times.

I get it is stressful though and I'm right there with you! p.s. I really hope your username is a Resident Evil reference!

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