KEEP an eye on your letterbox – if you or someone in your household claims income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is on its way, or you may have received it already.
That’s because six old-style benefits are being replaced by Universal Credit (UC) – which is designed to streamline and simplify the benefits system into a single monthly payment.
‘My adviser took the time to understand my situation – the conversation wasn’t stressful’
Eligibility criteria apply. For more information and support on Universal Credit, visit gov.uk/ucmove
MAKE THE MOVE
How to switch from ESA to Universal Credit
“There’s a phone line for people who aren’t confident filling in forms online.
“If anyone is struggling, I’d suggest going to Citizens Advice for help.”
Migration Notice letters give details of both the DWP Move to UC helpline and the free and impartial Help to Claim service from Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.
After Damien had completed the online application, a telephone appointment with a Move to UC adviser, Charlotte, was set up to make sure everything was in order.
“My adviser was friendly and helpful, taking time to understand my situation – the conversation wasn’t at all stressful,” Damien says.
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Over a million DWP customers have already made the move.
And now it’s the turn of those receiving income-related ESA.
Look out for a letter called a Migration Notice dropping through your door.
Migrating from ESA to UC is a straightforward process – take it from a customer who’s already made the move.
Damien, from Leeds, suffers from a long-term health condition, but a few years ago it deteriorated.
“In 20 years, I only had three sick days,” he says.
“But after that, even simple actions caused me pain and I couldn’t work anymore. I’m grateful that support is there for people like me.”
Damien was on income-related ESA, but he was one of the first customers asked to move across to UC.
“I want to reassure people who are moving on to Universal Credit that it isn’t scary,” he says.
“I got a letter telling me I had to apply for UC. The online application process was straightforward.
“I set up a username and password, then I filled in my bank account details and answered questions about my income, rent and savings.
“We’re here to help and to reassure people that it isn’t as tricky as they might think,” says Charlotte, who has worked on the Move to UC post-claim team for four years.
“I’m proud to be able to help people with this process because we’ve all been through times in our lives when things haven’t been easy.
“We’re not number crunchers – we’re people dealing with people, trying to make things that bit easier.”
Most customers are likely to receive the same amount or more on UC as they did on their old-style benefits.
But if your entitlement is less, an extra amount is added to your UC payment where you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
This is called Transitional Protection.
How long you continue to receive it for will depend on your circumstances.
To be considered for Transitional Protection, just make sure you don’t apply until after you have received your Migration Notice letter.
“I also make sure that everything runs smoothly so that those with a Work Capability Assessment decision don’t have to do another one,” says Charlotte.
“Where there is no change in the health condition, your previous assessment will carry across.”
And to help you to manage your money during this time, everyone who makes the move to UC can also apply during the first month for a Benefit Transfer Advance.
This is interest-free and repayable in instalments over a maximum two-year period, and can support customers completing the move.
Damien appreciates the fact he can flag any changes to his situation in his UC online journal, where he can also ask questions about payments and receive speedy answers.
His main piece of advice for others is to fill in the application as soon as possible after receiving their Migration Notice letter.
“That way you won’t spend months worrying when there’s really no need,” he says.
“Once you get your letter, fill in the forms – and get on with your life.”
‘Once you get your letter, fill in the forms – and get on with your life’
A helpline is on hand for those who need support
A helpline is on hand for those who need support