Switch to universal credit

misterS

Iam in my late 40's .I currently claim ESA support group (have been on it for last 8 years ) .my last two reassessments have been done without a face to face interview the last one was 2 years ago .I also get dla low care and mobility for the last 8 years.Despite living alone Iam not eligible for SDP.I also get full LHA and council tax discount .I believe I would be better off on universal credit at the moment is this true and if so can I and should I request to be transferred over to it .it all seems very confusing at the moment .

calcotti

Use a benefits calculator to check your circumstances https://www.entitledto.co.uk. I would expect you to be about £20/week better off on UC but you need to check this.

You can apply for UC and this will automatically end any income based part of your ESA claim. If some of your ESA iscontribution based that will continue and the amount deducted from your UC payments.

However you need to bear in mind that whereas ESA is paid fortnightly UC is paid monthly - will this suit your finances? There may be some disruption if you claim UC as your Support Group status may not immediately be transferred to UC due to the administrative process. You will also have to make the claim online and attend the JobCentre (probably a couple of times) I order to complete the claim.

At some stage you will be told that your DLA claim is to end and you will be invited to apply for PIP. If as a result you get an award of Daily Living part of PIP you would then qualify for the SDP in your income based ESA if you are still claiming it - this would be worth some £50/ week more than a UC award.