Any hazard in coming off income-based JSA?

Spoonie_Turtle

Asking for a friend (yes, really ) so unfortunately I don't have complete details about NI history or dates about previously claimed benefits.

Friend is unwell.  Previously claimed ESA ~3yrs ago, failed WCA and MR didn't change, didn't pursue challenging further.  Went onto ib-JSA and claimed Carer's Allowance (not sure of dates).  CA has just ended.  May or may not be eligible for NS-ESA (as I said, not sure of NI history exactly - have asked them to check their record) due to relaxation of first contribution condition.  I'm certain they would be eligible for UC anyway, as no partner, savings, or any other income.  They haven't mentioned HB when I asked what benefits currently claimed, though I didn't think to ask directly until just now.

My question: if they claim UC and/or NS-ESA, are there any pitfalls to coming off ib-JSA that I've forgotten?  Friend is not well enough for JSA; I guess their caring responsibilities took that particular pressure off.

poppy12345

Spoonie_Turtle said:

My question: if they claim UC and/or NS-ESA, are there any pitfalls to coming off ib-JSA that I've forgotten?  Friend is not well enough for JSA; I guess their caring responsibilities took that particular pressure off.

The only one i can think of would be the claimant commitment and what will be expected of them. They would of course need a fit note and with this hopefully the work searches will be turned off. My daughters work coach turned all hers off when i claimed on her behalf in January.

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

My question: if they claim UC and/or NS-ESA, are there any pitfalls to coming off ib-JSA that I've forgotten?  Friend is not well enough for JSA; I guess their caring responsibilities took that particular pressure off.

The only one i can think of would be the claimant commitment and what will be expected of them. They would of course need a fit note and with this hopefully the work searches will be turned off. My daughters work coach turned all hers off when i claimed on her behalf in January.

Thanks.  I assumed now the CA has ended that the usual JSA expectations would put on them anyway, whereas at least with UC there is the provision for fit notes.  My brain is frazzled (I only found out they needed help yesterday, then today they were notified of CA ending - but trying to get all the relevant info is difficult without sounding like an interrogation! )  I just absolutely don't want to forget anything and accidentally give them poor or incomplete advice.

pebbles88

They’ll need a fit note to go on the uc health journey, they’ll then have a WCA after approx 13 weeks. Currently up is at £409.89 per assessment period with the extra £20 p/w but it’s only been guaranteed for another 6 months. Normal rate £317.82. 

calcotti

pebbles88 said: Normal rate £317.82. 

For 2020-21 the single person rate would have been £323.22 without the uplift.

poppy12345

pebbles88 said:

 they’ll then have a WCA after approx 13 weeks.

For UC the "waiting period" is 3 full monthly assessment periods, not 13 weeks. The assessment can also take place before that but if given LCWRA the extra money isn't paid until the 4th AP.