Is it better to claim was

poppy12345

Delidi said:

Thanks all that replied so I guess esa will replace my lcwra payment?

No, that's not correct. Your UC elements will continue as normal and you'll be paid on the same date each month.

If you claim New Style ESA then this is a weekly benefit paid fortnightly. As you've already been found to have LCWRA then you'll be placed into the Support Group, which will mean your ESA will be £117.60 per week. (£235.20 every fortnight) There will be a deduction of £509.60 per month in your UC because of the ESA.

Of course you'll be worse off each month because there will be no SSP as advised.

Delidi

Thanks it's just a note saying I may have my money reduced from 19th December i know it says may but why even put it on when I'm exempt? I have no idea why a deduction of £509.60 comes from as that not the esa total? So I'll get my standard rate my housing element and esa?

poppy12345

It's a standard message because of the 9 month grace period. You're exempt from the benefit cap so don't worry about any further deductions.

The reason for the £509 deductions for ESA is because ESA is a weekly benefit, UC is monthly There's more than 4 weeks in a month so they need to work out the monthly payment. Therefore the following applies. £117.60 x 52 = 6,115.20/12 = £509.60.

Delidi said:

So I'll get my standard rate my housing element and esa?

No. As previously advised, you'll get your standard rate, housing element and LCWRA element, just exactly as you do now. Your ESA will be £235.20 every fortnight. Your UC will reduce by £509.60.

To get your UC amount add all those elements together and deduct the £509.60 and that will be your UC amount.

Delidi

Thanks so much for your help and patience with me