irESA only to UC migration triggers unexpected automatic new style cbESA claim

Hi, all,

I see others are posting with similar experiences. I can add a couple of details, which is why I am posting separately.

Briefly, I have written to my MP with the B&W problems document link and quotation. My MP is writing to the Secretary of State about this issue. Additionally, I have cancelled the ns-cbESA claim that started automatically as CAB went through my personal case and we could find no valid reason to continue the claim in my circumstances (yours may differ); and they advised cancellation must not prejudice my UC claim or LCWRA status due to prior irESA support group status.

CAB advisors seem at a loss to explain why the cbESA entitlement. UC agents don't seem to see anything out of the ordinary. Nothing in B&W, CAB or multiple charity websites mention this entitlement until the B&W document linked below.

I'll let you know how the MP's enquiry goes and the outcome in my case of cancelling the ns-cbESA claim.

Scenario.
This appears to be an instance of "problem 3: mysterious entitlement to cbESA" in this B&W document, but with an additional automatic trigger of ns-cbESA and then reassessment of UC: www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/?dlp=6891c5610376b

History.

• Having originally claimed Incapacity Benefit around 2006/7, I was moved to old-style cbESA.
• In 2015 the cbESA ran out and I had to claim irESA.
• Probably in 2019 I was moved to the support group of irESA. My documentation has never referred to cbESA at any time that I recall and certainly it was not mentioned in my most recent irESA letter as of February 2025.
• in April 2025 I received the migration letter.
• With phone support from CAB UC Migration helpline, I completed the online UC migration form, beginning the process of migration from old-style irESA to UC.
• I then received a journal notice that I was eligible for cbESA. It did not say a claim would automatically be triggered. I phoned the CAB UC migration helpline and they seemed unable to explain why this happened, and did not suggest a claim could be triggered automatically.
• I then received a journal notice of a pending new claimant agreement phone call scheduled for the end of August.
• Two letters then arrived that indicated this was because of "my claim" for new style ESA and a reassessment of UC. It implied, but did not clearly state, that the phone "assessment" would be a telephone claim process for nsESA.
• I made two phone calls to the CAB UC Migration Helpline and neither advisor, one of whom had 40 years prior experience in the civil service including managing benefits, could explain why this was happening. We worked out there was no advantage in my case to claiming nsESA and that there would be no prejudice of my UC claim or LCWRA status if I cancel the nsESA claim.
• I found the B&W document attached above and passed the salient quotes and link to my MP, who immediately wrote back that he will write to the Secretary of State.
• I began the process of cancelling "my" claim for ns-cbESA.

I am concerned the change of circumstances and reassessment of UC may still stand, despite what CAB advised.

Kind regards,
Ian

Hi there can I ask for your help with this please. I am my son's appointee and he was in support group ESA and we did migrate to UC 2 weeks ago now got journal message for phone app with New Style ESA to accept commitments? I too can't cope with 2 lots of benefits and I ASKED CAB if I could NOT have ESA just do it all on UC? BENEFITS and Work said yes you can but CAB didn't seem to know?
Please can you tell me how you've got on with this ....are you now getting two payments from UC
Standard amount AND
LCWRA amount after migrating?
If this is right PLEASE tell me how you cancelled the ESA. Hope you can help. Thank you
Teresa

Hi there I just tried to reply by quick reply I'm not very good with this. My question is did you manage to cancel NS ESA and how did you do it also are you getting both payments amount with your UC standard AND LCWRA please as I definitely would like to cancel ESA and do it all with just UC
Your help would be appreciated this pensioner is not coping with all this at all I'm an appointee for my son.
Thanks..... I apologise if I've sent this twice
Teresa

Hi there please advise me how you managed to close the claim I don't know how to. Do I tell them in my journal

The citizens advice are clueless. Despite what you think, you were on CONTRIBUTIONS BASED ESA. but with an "income related top up"

Everything you describe is quite usual. You will still get your ESA, as it HAS NOT MIGRATED, only income related benefits "migrate" You will get your ESA at a reduced rate and UC as well...

You close your ESA, and you have closed your entire claim...

Stop worrying everything is as it should be..

NOOOOOO, everything you describe in your other post is normal.

You MUST understand, there is NOT NOT NOT a new claim for anything. It is your "old" ESA but renamed.

You will still get this, but at a reduced rate, and UC as well..

DO NOT tell them you want to close your claim, you will not be able to reopen it..

Stop worrying, everything is as it should be.