• Search
  • You are here:  
  • Home
  • News
  • ESA to UC migration – your questions answered

News

ESA to UC migration – your questions answered

Details

Whilst we still have no definite start date for the process, the comments sections of Benefits and Work articles on ESA to UC migration have been filled with readers’ fears and uncertainties.

We already have a 28 page members guide to ESA to UC migration.  But as a result of the many issues raised we have now supplemented this with an 11 page collection of answers to FAQs for members, which we hope covers most of the main issues that have been raised.

The FAQs cover:

Managed migration

  • Will managed migration affect me?
  • How will I know when I have to move to Universal Credit?
  • Do I have to wait for managed migration?
  • I don’t want to move to UC – can I appeal?
  • Will managed migration affect my PIP and other payments?

Making a claim

  • What if I can’t claim by the deadline on my migration notice?
  • I’ve missed my managed migration deadline, and I didn’t ask for an extension beforehand – what can I do?
  • How do I make my claim for UC?  Do I have to talk to someone on the phone?
  • Will I have to explain how my health conditions affect me on the UC application?
  • Will I have to provide a fit note or prove I am unfit for work if I am moving to UC from ESA?
  • Will I have to go to the Jobcentre to show them my ID?
  • What happens if I don’t have any photo ID?
  • Will I have to go to the Jobcentre to verify my identity?
  • Who can help me make a claim?

The amount of UC

  • Will I get the same amount of money as I did on ESA?
  • When will I know how much UC I will receive?
  • My first payment is lower than I was getting from legacy benefits – what should I do?

Requirements whist receiving UC

  • I have already had a Work Capability Assessment for ESA – will I need another one?
  • Do I have to agree a claimant commitment?
  • Do I have to attend in person to sign my claimant commitment?
  • Will I have a work coach if I am in the support group?
  • Will I have a work coach if I was in the ESA work-related activity group?
  • I am an appointee for someone who was claiming Income-related ESA – what does managed migration mean for me?

The document includes all the health condition related questions you will be asked and has detailed examples of how your UC, including the transitional element, is worked out.

We’ll be adding to this document over the coming months as more issues are raised by readers.

Members can download the ESA to UC Managed Migration FAQs from the ESA/UC guides page.

Comments

Write comments...
or post as a guest
People in conversation:
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Bobby
    · 1 days ago
    Hello I've just recently moved to universal credit from esa. My partner currently receives carer's allowance which she has been getting every week. I'm just wondering does that stop now 🤔 or will that carry on weekly? My monthly payment is going to be split into 2 payments instead of being a full monthly payment. So I'm guessing carer's allowance will stay weekly as it's a separate benefit from universal credit anyway? My partner is due carer's again Monday 10th January so that should go in fine? Any advice would be appreciated and thank you on advance.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    H
    · 2 days ago
    ...The online journal says that their records show I'm not receiving ESA, but I am? It just says I need to contact the office to tell them I'm getting Universal Credit & to update their records, but they already removed me & sent a letter. Does anyone know how this will affect benefits or if this is covered in the guide? None of the headings indicate as much, but idk if the longer guide might cover it.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    George
    · 11 days ago
    I have until the 14th March until mine, but it's consistently on my mind.. does anyone know if I have to fill in health conditions on universal credit form, or just tick it. As I've heard it will trigger an assessment. So confused, migration from old style ESA before April 2017. All my appointments have been done over the phone with my current work coach
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      George
      · 1 days ago
      @H Hi. So I would just do my claim normal tick the health box and type in my health conditions? Going to do mine around about the 12th march, I have until the 14th March 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      H
      · 1 days ago
      @George You just need to say if you have a health condition - if you're migrating, you shouldn't have to have another assessment.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    PGM
    · 11 days ago
    Is there a guide for how to work this site? I'm not very good at this sort of thing. I've got here at last. Computer illiterate l suppose. 
    I've had more stress with not being able to find the info l need than the stress of worrying about not being able to help my daughter with the online application for Support Group ESA to UC Migration. She's severely dyslexic, ADHD, other SPeLDs, like number problems (probably dyscalculia), with memory problems and associated anxiety, she also has an ASD diagnosis. She also has severe astma and a bad back. Her lQ is 118/120 though which tends to make problems of it's own. She's everso cynical and difficult to motivate. I don't know how to work the rotten computer,and she can't read so how are we supposed to do this Journal thing? She won't remember to keep looking at it either.  
    In the end of the day we're terrified to begin the on


  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Steve
    · 12 days ago
    I received my Migration notice before Xmas 2024.  I'm migrating from ESA SG.  I filled in the UC claim online but had to go to the Job Centre to provide I.D.  I was told I had no commitments as migrating from the Support Group.  Was also told to contact the local council to inform them of the move to UC, anyway the council called me and I think the rent part is sorted.  I thought everything ran smoothly until today when I received a letter about CB New Style ESA saying they will be calling me for an appointment asking how my disability affects me and provide medical evidence.  I had no idea I was being migrated to that also, it's the first I'd heard about it.  This is now affecting my mental health considerably with the thought of having to have some untrained person tell me I can or can't have the benefit.  From what I understand, I can't have the benefit as I've never worked in my life due to my illness.  So I don't know what's going on there.  Can anyone shed some light on this please.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Lesley
      · 1 days ago
      @Steve Hi Steve it's horrid isn't it. These people really don't understand how we feel Inside with our mental health mine is through the roof dreading when I get my first uc statement which is the 15th Feb gey my first uc payment the 19th Feb I'm just hoping my esa support group and esa contribution goes on my uc payment I'm also on high rate pip for daily living and standard moblity on pip hope all goes well for u to 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      UCBryan
      · 7 days ago
      @Steve New Style ESA is national insurance credit based, unlike the old ESA which was for both income based and national insurance credit based. So if you do not have contributions paid it could be a problem, hopefully their DWP have been paying your NI Credits (NIC) whilst on benefits. You can check your NIC on the GOV.UK website.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Steve
      · 8 days ago
      @Lesley Thanks for your reply Lesley.  My mental health goes through the roof as soon as I see a DWP letter.  I'm hoping to contact my GP tomorrow to let him know the situation and I could do with some extra support at the moment, be it medication or talking therapies etc.  Hope it all works out for you.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Lesley
      · 9 days ago
      @Steve I'm exactly the same as u I got that letter to about new style esa but Bern told its nothing to worry as uc will know what u got of esa support group but for the last few days uc couldn't verify my housing costs with my landlord thank god all sorted out today I suffer badly with mental health and anxiety amongst other disabilities I have it's so anxious provoking x
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Steve
      · 9 days ago
      @Carole I agree this whole thing is a nightmare.  I've been told on another forum that they are just standard letters and should work out ok when they communicate with each other.  Fingers crossed I don't have to see anyone to explain my situation as I always feel guilty for being ill.  I just hope the 19th Feb gets here with no incident and my money goes through with no problem.  Hope all goes well with your son.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    lot
    · 12 days ago
    can any show me how or 
    where do you use the immigration reference moving from ESA to UC
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    George
    · 20 days ago
    Has anyone migrated over from old style ESA wrag group? If soo how easy was it?? Also does anyone know if I have a work coach at my local job centre now for my ESA, will I still keep the same work coach? As she knows about my health conditions etc...
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      George
      · 17 days ago
      @James h Ok no problem thanks. Might phone the job centre and speak to my current work coach now. See what she says. Surely my new work coach will be to see all my appointments have been done over the phone in the past. Also I'm sure she can verify my ID over phone instead of attending job centre to verify 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      James h
      · 19 days ago
      @George @George I’m due to migrate to uc 1st march it’s a very old esa income wrag claim from 2018 I’ve not been to job centre for 6 years now because of Covid and backlogs etc I don’t think you will have the same work coach but follow my next update on here around beginning of march 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Sharon
    · 1 months ago
    Just filled in UC form for my husband, migrating from HB and ESA Support group. I'm my husband's full time carer, do I have to supply a 'fit note'
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Caroline
    · 1 months ago
    I'm in the process of migration from ESA support group and housing benefit to UC. I explained. to universal credit I was worried about the rent they assured me it would be ok housing benefit paid extra 2 weeks and it would be backdated. I get my housing association saying there are 53 weeks this year and I have to pay a week's rent that UC don't cover. Nobody from UC has explained this to me they are also saying I'm now in arrears but the UC should be backdated to the date I made my claim to cover the rent? Housing association are demanding I pay arrears which I don't think I will even have when the payment is sorted out. I'm very concerned and confused by it all I have quite severe mental health issues and nobody is helping they both insist they are not allowed to communicate with each other as it's a breach of privacy. I don't get any money until 2nd January I have no idea what is going on.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Tasha
      · 1 months ago
      @Caroline Why are they telling people there are 53 weeks when it's just one extra day? 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Catherine m
    · 3 months ago
    I am 64yrs old and I am on ESA in SUpport group for illness that stops me working. I am married to my 70yr old husband who gets basic state pension and a teeny tiny pension from his old employer.
    I have read that we have to apply for UC.  We dont get any other benefits.  Yet when I try these calculators it states we arent entitled to UC.  I have read that its because i am still classed as working age but I have MS and in pain and fall over alot. I cant get employment even though im trying due to being scared with all the reports in the news.  What income we have between us only just covers the rent.   What do we do.  I am due to retire march 2027 when i am 66.5yrs old.  i dont understand any of this benefit business.  paid in 47 yrs worth of NI stamp. its causing me resltless nights
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Sophia
    · 3 months ago
    I have had to migrate to UC and my first payment is on the 29th October. However my ESA and Housing Benefit have already stopped meaning I will have a shortfall of just under £900! The only option appears to be applying for an advanced payment which I will need to pay back monthly. Is this standard???
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    MelanieL
    · 4 months ago
    I'm transgender, my name with DWP is different than name on passport, will this be an issue? Thanks
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 4 months ago
      @MelanieL Wouldn't have thought there would be an issue
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      A
      · 4 months ago
      @MelanieL What ID document(s) did you provide to the DWP when you made your claim to them?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    WF2K
    · 4 months ago
    I started my migration on the 24/09/24, I've received no contact from them despite me needing to confirm my identity, I've even left notes in my journal. It says 2 - 3 days on the page after you submit the claim.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Ah
    · 4 months ago
    Is there anyone who gets Income-related ESA and is on the SG who has received a Migration Notice letter? Please say the outcome.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Mohammad
      · 3 months ago
      @Ah I have had one identity check appointment. But now they are interviewing me on the phone on November 5th to get me to agree to comityments to do with new style esa
      I'm confused myself as I was on income related esa. I don't know what's going on. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      jean howells
      · 3 months ago
      @Ah My husband, had an industrial accident, which resulted in a brain injury, and 10 hours of surgery, he was on incapacity benefit and DLA, both of the benefits changed, one to ESA, the other to PIP, so after 24 years of being unable to work, one phone call last year, of some muppet, saying that he is eligible, for some kind of employment, also he was refused PIP, again some young woman, who could hardly do her own job, and was heard asking someone else, who was in her presence, she had no clue, decided he was not eligible, so know , they have stopped his money and told to claim U.C. which he has to attend work focus interviews, wait a month for any sort of money, and will get £60 a week less money, what an utter con and mess, no wonder there are so many people living on the bread line and streets, and with severe mental health, to tell someone after 24 years, there is nothing wrong with him, due to 2 yes, no questions, over the phone, amounts to a crime
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Natasha
      · 4 months ago
      @Ah I attended my first appointment at Jobcentre from ESA support to UC absolutely sick with angst. I feared the worst especially as I applied soon after the letter.  I had an advisor who was so sympathetic and reassuring,  I nearly cried.  He just explained I would get monthly payments and I had such weight off my mind. There was no work commitments due to support group migration. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 4 months ago
      @Ah Received migration notice
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 4 months ago
      @Ah Yes me
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    sara
    · 4 months ago
    The government Move to Universal Credit website has changed the dates for esa and esa with hb. Where it previously said from Autumn 2024, TBC, it now says from September 2024.

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Just passing through
    · 4 months ago
    This is such a worry. My friend receives PIP and ESA. He also has schizophrenia. He's getting more and more wound up about switching to universal credit. It's doing his mental health a power of good!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      jean howells
      · 3 months ago
      @Just passing through I sympathise with you, my husband had a severe brain injury 24 years ago, refused PIP, and put into a work category, he has a mental health issue due to his injury, they just don't care, he was a steel fabricator, and worked so hard, he sustained his injury at work, and he is treated like some benefits scrounger, its awfull
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    James
    · 4 months ago
    Currently migrating from SG ESA to UC 
    I have been told I will be getting transitional protection 
    From start to finish the whole process has been a mountain of incompetent bureaucracy random phone calls text messages all sorts of random people contacting me talking rubbish

    communicating with people who are difficult to understand who don't seem to know what's going on themselves 
    They are reading what to do from the computer screen as they're doing it 
    The computer screen is telling them if the customer says whatever click this symbol 
    DWP operatives dealing with the transfer are as skilled as McDonalds workers pushing the button that says cheeseburger 

    So I got a phone call the other day out of the blue telling me I'm going to also get new style ESA but I won't actually get any money for it
    I did have a appointment for a client commitment for universal credit but they canceled it and decided I didn't need one 
    Instead they have made an appointment for a client commitment for ESA new style that won't pay me any money 
    I agreed to the client commitment for this as it will provide contributions for my pension apparently parts of this commitment was to agree to supply fit notes if they ask for them which will only cause more bureaucracy 

    Why are they replacing one benefit 
    ESA with two other benefits UC and new style ESA and also a transitional protection 
    One of the benefits requires a client commitment the other benefit doesn't 

    What a complete mess obviously they're not that stupid it must have been designed this way to cause people mental distress


    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      dannyufcfan
      · 4 months ago
      @James Hi, I receive ESA sg only. I don't think I should have the option to receive new ESA because it's CB and have not worked in the last few years. But you're saying they give you that option, anyway? And as far as you know, do you have to agree to go on new ESA or can you just ignore it an go on just UC? Thank you
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    BOB
    · 4 months ago
    No idea where the ESA migration to UC will start first. You have work related ESA with HB and without then you have ESA claimants with tax credits then last the ESA claimants with ESA in support group so where will they start first and what area.  No clear messages from labour and just causing great stress to people.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Julie Kidd
      · 4 months ago
      @Dee Hi Dee, they will use your bank card as ID so unfortunately you will have to attend a job centre interview and bring along other paperwork.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      James
      · 4 months ago
      @Dee They "id" me over the phone but not by a method I anticipated I thought they might ask for numbers on a passport or a copy of a driving licence or something 

      this was not the method they used to identify me 
      they asked question that would be pretty difficult for another person to know but it was just personal information about my past they was able to verify me over the telephone by asking these questions no physical identification was supplied to them 

      Be prepared for last minute changes being cut off on the phone all that kind of regular bureaucratical rubbish they need to be told exactly what to do because they really don't know what they're doing the DWP must have employed a huge amount of temporary workers who are processing this move from ESA to UC they're given very little training and then let loose learning on the job
      the computer is telling/instructing them what to do as they're doing it 

      at some point you will also deal with staff at the job centre in your local area they will call you they are the people that arrange and will do work commitments
      If you have any difficulties getting out because of a disability physically or something like agrophobia you can do your client work/commitment on the phone 

      you have to accept a client commitment to get paid or the claim will be cancelled only exceptions are people dying that have got like 12 months to live or people who are so mentally unstable or have such considerable learning difficulties who don't understand the process would be exempt from any kind of client commitment 
       
      they will either get you to commit to a universal credit client commitment or a new style ESA client commitment if you qualify for new style ESA too this will be dependent on the amount of NI contributions you have got

      When migrating from the support group the client commitment won't have any work commitment in the agreement you make 

      There will be a commitment to supply fit notes or medical evidence if they ask for it 
      and to inform them of any changes that might affect your benefits 
      you must agree to this even if you don't want to

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dee
      · 4 months ago
      @James I knows it's coming sooner than I hoped😔 at the moment I'm trying to get any relevant paperwork ready for I. D and tenancy agreement ,everyday the post comes it's like living on eggshells. Not having a passport or full driving licence is stressing me because I don't know what they will except as ID , without me having to go into a job center and show what I do have .To me the thought of having to do that is terrifying 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      James
      · 4 months ago
      @Dee No unfortunately they are doing us now I was in the support group only receiving ESA and housing benefit however I did complain about them recently so maybe they put me at the top of the list :)
      So prepare for the letter to come through the door because it may come sooner than you think
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jon
      · 4 months ago
      @BOB I got my migration letter 5 days ago and am on income related esa
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Eliza
    · 4 months ago
    Will pension credits still be included after the migration? I am receiving New Style ESA LCWRAG and UC and my pension credits are currently paid in full.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Frances
      · 4 months ago
      @Frances Seriously, why the down vote?? Say say something constructive.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Frances
      · 4 months ago
      @Eliza New style ESA will not be migrated to UC. As you are already receiving UC then migration does not apply to you: none of your benefits are legacy benefits.

      When you say 'pension credits', I'm assuming you're talking about NI credits (contributions) towards your state pension.

      According to what entitlement you have to the State Pension, based on your NI contributions, any other income and any disability add-on, when you reach state pension age, you might be entitled to the means tested benefit, Pension Credit, on top of your State Pension.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Jo Bicheno
    · 4 months ago
    Can anyone advise me if the rules for migration to UC from IS are the same as for coming from ESA? 
    I have PIP at higher rate for both mobility and care and my husband who is my carer was claiming IS for us both but I’m finding it difficult to find much information about this forced migration from IC to UC. 
    The worry over this is making me ill and it seems ridiculous to me that my husband as my carer does not have to commit to any work related activities but the person he cares for-me- has to go to all these job centre appointments and look for work. 
    Can anyone help? 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      jean howells
      · 3 months ago
      @Jo Bicheno I was told, (my husband was refused PIP), that if he was claiming PIP and I was his paid carer, then you would still claim the ESA element to U.C. but you wouldn't have to attend work focus interviews,  so I was lead to believe , hope this helps
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Amber
      · 4 months ago
      @Jo Bicheno You're right, the whole thing is madness. I'm not familiar with the ESA migration rules, but for IS to UC you will both need to fully complete online UC applications, link your accounts, and follow due process. It's correct that your husband will have no work commitments and truly ridiculous that the person receiving full time care, i.e yourself, is the one having all the stress!

      You will be given an appointment for an interview as your claim progresses. If you would find it difficult to attend a Job Centre you can request a phone interview in your Journal.

      Ultimately, you will have your opportunity to explain your condition and how it affects you during your interview. If you are chronically sick with no prospect of working, you can tell them this.

      After the interview comes the Capability for Work (UC50) questionnaire, where you can give more detailed answers and submit medical evidence. (Include a copy of your PIP assessment report, if you have it). You'll then have a UC assessment and receive a decision about your capability for work. 

      The government website says this about UC: "If you have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working: You will not be asked to work, and will be supported through Universal Credit."

      So ultimately, after going through the long, daunting process, you will arrive at that final stage of not having to look for work if you are unable to.

Free PIP, ESA & UC Updates!

Delivered Fortnightly

Over 110,000 claimants and professionals subscribe to the UK's leading source of benefits news.

 
iContact

Latest news

We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

Ok Decline
More about cookies