Question on claiming UC whilst working on a low income.

AdamPD

Hey all,

So I'm currently receiving PIP and contribution-based ESA.
I've been given multiple conflicting bits of information on what I should or shouldn't claim from the DWP over the years, so I'm after some advice.
I currently work on a PAYE basis, but it's one of those zero-hours contracts, so I only earn a very small amount each month.
It was my understanding that I could claim Universal credit (and cancelling the ESA claim), as UC was a replacement for Tax credits, so my low income would be topped up.
The problem I ran into though, is the benefits caseworker insisted I HAD to look for another job and work more hours
I had to agree to spend 30 hours a week looking for another job, yes, 30 hours!
Additionally, I also had to attend a face-to-face work search review/check each week, which was then changed to a weekly telephone appointment instead (As I have crippling social anxiety issues).
So I'm really confused, as I was under the impression I could claim UC like I used to claim tax credits and wouldn't have to keep searching for work?

poppy12345

If you're in the Support Group for ESA then when claiming UC you will also receive the LCWRA element, which means you won't have any claimant commiments and won't need to look for work or attend any appointments.

AdamPD said:

The problem I ran into though, is the benefits caseworker insisted I HAD to look for another job and work more hours
I had to agree to spend 30 hours a week looking for another job, yes, 30 hours!
Additionally, I also had to attend a face-to-face work search review/check each week, which was then changed to a weekly telephone appointment instead (As I have crippling social anxiety issues).
So I'm really confused, as I was under the impression I could claim UC like I used to claim tax credits and wouldn't have to keep searching for work?

I assume you were claiming UC, do you still claim this?

AdamPD

I ended up cancelling my claim to UC, as I was only getting £1 per month and I didn't feel comfortable cancelling the claim to ESA given the pressure the advisor was putting on me to search for work.

I don't think I received the LCWRA element, I get £149.40 every 2 weeks from ESA.

I assume I'm in the support group, as I have to send in sickness notes every 6 months.

poppy12345

Your ESA amount and the fact you're still sending in fit notes tells me that you're still on assessment rate and you haven't yet had a decision on your work capability assessment.

You're claiming New style ESA so this will have been deducted in full from any UC entitlement. You wouldn't have been entitled to the LCWRA element in UC because you haven't yet had a decision on the WCA. Have you filled out and returned the work capability assessment form? Do be aware that your ESA is only paid for 1 year unless placed into the Support Group.

Do DWP know you're working?

This means that when claiming UC you will have been treated as a job seeker until a decision on your work capability assessment says otherwise, unless your earnings were over a certain amount.  Whether you should have been in the light touch group will have depended on your earnings each assessment period. If you receive earnings of more than £335 during your assessment period then you won't be expected to look for work. See link. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/Claimant-Commitment-Conditionality

AdamPD

Thanks Poppy that helps.

Yea I've been in the assessment group for, well, it must be 6+ months now.
I did just receive the disability assessment appointment letter, which is stressing me out, as they want me to travel about 20 miles using public transport to a busy town location, which I simply can't do.
The last time I had this assessment around 4 years ago, it was at home and I was told I never should've been asked to go to the assessment centre due to my anxiety, but I guess that doesn't get taken into account when the renew comes up.
I'm not 100% sure if this is for PIP or ESA, though.

poppy12345

I'm not aware that home assessments have even started back yet. If you're unable to travel by public transport and you have no one to take you then you can ring and tell them this. They can pay for a taxi for you to get there, however, you will need to pay it first and then claim it back. You will need to ring the number on the letter.

If the letter header says Health Assessment Advisory Service then it will be ESA and the WCA.

AdamPD

It does indeed, thanks Poppy you've been a great help.

Yea I just called them and explained my situation, they've changed it to a video appointment (didn't know they did those).

That's a fair bit of relief for me.

poppy12345

Video assessments are fairly new. I'm glad you managed to change it.

calcotti

Be aware than on ESA you must not work for more than 16 hours/week or earn more than £152/week. Are ESA aware that you are doing some work?

When you get the ESA decision, if you are put in the Support Group and you reclaimed UC then you would be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim and would not be expected to look for work. UC would give you a little extra money on top of the ESA.

Do you own or rent your home?

AdamPD

calcotti said:

Be aware than on ESA you must not work for more than 16 hours/week or earn more than £152/week. Are ESA aware that you are doing some work?

Do you own or rent your home?

Yea I know, I earn around £250-£300 a month.
I own my own home, with a mortgage.
Shame the SMI scheme doesn't exist in its old form, I'm finding it hard to balance the budget with all these energy price rises.

calcotti

Even so, if you are put into ESA Support Group and claim UC then you will receive a small amount of UC in addition to the ESA.