Universal credit grouping and backdating

Fenrir

Hi there


I recently had to move onto Universal credit from ESA due to me moving into a council property. I was in the support group for ESA. 5 days ago I received a message in my journal from my work coach that I no longer had to attend appointments at the job centre due to my mental and physical issues.


My question is, does this mean I am now in the support group of Universal Credit? I understand being in the support group entitles me to slightly more money each month. If I am in the support group, will they back date my payments up to the day I started my claim?


Thank you very much for any help you can offer

poppy12345

Yes it means LCWRA. As you were previously claiming ESA in the Support Group then there shouldn't be anything to backdate, in fact you maybe slightly worse off by transferring to UC but this will depend on your circumstances.

calcotti

You are entitled to have LCWRA included in your UC from the start but many claimants experience a delay because UC have to obtain information from ESA which they may not experience in time for the first payment. Keep an eye on how your award is made up and challenge it if LCWRA is not included.


As poppy says you may be worse off on UC but equally you may be better off - many claimants are up by about £20/week.