ESA to UC - 'Managed Migration' what a complete joke!

Had to attend a meeting to agree work commitments despite being in ESA support group on date of managed migration to UC. Job coach confirmed PIP and ESA SG status and assured me that no work commitments or appointments to attend at JC. Within hours of leaving appointment, got email to login to UC account. Now told have to attend mandatory appointment for review and sign new work commitments. Also told have to 'upload' fit note before mandatory appointment to trigger WCA, or I will be sanctioned. I am still within the initial 5 week waiting period. My anxiety levels are through the roof and I feel very low; it is not a simple process.

I called the UC helpline and they are just parrots reading a script. One adviser spoke over me and ended the call, without any explanation. When I called back, I was told to leave a message in the journal but I don't know if the person dealing with my case even knows or cares about transitional provisions. I left a journal message last week and it was ignored and never replied to.

Based on all I've read on this forum and elsewhere, the staff that currently man UC helplines and JCP just 'tick' boxes and could care less about applying thelaw unless its comes to a MR or Tribunal. I completely understand why people want to give up and commit suicide. No one listens or cares, and DWP are not learning anything from the car crash of a system that is called UC. Literally don't know what to do now... meeting is soon.

Our "migration" was certainly not "managed" - more shock tactics, I was unprepared for it as everything crashed at once. ESA, PIP and HB. I too had to go to the local JC/WC ( change came via my partner reaching SP age) and sit through assumptions and rudeness - until I was transferred to a specialist disability advisor - well that means someone who has been on a course but none the less this person actually helped. I worked at this JC in 2003-4. Sounds as if you've got a few interviews before you can re establish that you are not fit for full time work. The journal is a joke - I've written so much on it but I don't think it's really read - esp any policy questions. It's important to note things on the journal - like anything affecting joint income ( my partner is named on my UC page but is a SP) or your rent. The system was rolled out before it was ready so now we, sick claimants, are having a bad time of it. I can't manage my meds atm - the strain since Oct has been off the scale and it's still not resolved. So don't give up - it takes time.

Thanks Gary, I was aware of the above, but it appears that UC are ignoring the legislation that relates to ESA SG claimants during managed migrations. If I don't attend the meeting at the JC, they will just close the claim and I will have to start the process all over again and lose TP in the process.

I claimed online, but regret it now. Can't help but feel I am being subjected to AI and system generated messages; during my appointment the Job Coach said I can stop worrying now (yeah right). It appears they want to trigger a WCA by me uploading a fit note, which make me suspicious because I did not have to send in a new fit note for my last WCA review. I know they can review you at any time, but my condition has no medical cure and my previous DLA claim was a lifetime award. Disgusted but not suprised by the underhand tactics DWP employ to achieve their 'targets'.

Gordon - the 1st appointment I attended was to confirm identity. That person booked a commitment meeting for the following week. When I attended this appt. a work coach confirmed PIP and ESA and said no work or attendance commitments, but had to sign into UC to agree commitment to login regularly and report changes.

When I logged in, agreed to commitment and saw message in journal to upload fit note before 'another' commitment appointment that has been booked with a different person, so this will be the 3rd appointment in the 5 week waiting period. Message states if you do not attend you will not gat paid, you will not be entitle to UC and your claim will be cancelled. This is what they do to disabled and sick people? They know you are not working so have no choice but to comply.

Also got another email the next day to agree to commitments 'again' or claim will be cancelled. I have called UC and left journal messages, all of which remain unreplied to! Short of me turning up unanounced to the JCP office, don't know what else I can do. As it is all digital, you are at their mercy. At the click of a mouse they can sanction you or end your claim if you do not comply.