ESA (SG) to UC help please

iklepig

Hello,

I am pretty unfamiliar with the UC process. I have received the migration letter asking me to transfer from ESA (Support Group) to UC. I've filled the online form in and now I am being asked for my ID. I am being informed that I need to attend and appointment in-person. Due to my health I just cannot easily get to the job centre. I am being told I must do that as a home visit can take a few months (!) to arrange and before even doing that I'll have hoops to jump through to prove a home visit is needed. Plus they "helpfully" inform me I'll be left without any money for months until they can do a home visit. What am I supposed to live off?

My question is: Is this normal?

Surely they already know who I am as they've been paying me ESA for years? None of my details have changed (same address, same health, same situation, same everything!). Why is a further ID check necessary? 

Also, they know I'm being migrated from ESA (SG) so they know that I'm really not well, why would they make me attend in-person? They say there is no option for an online check or telephone check, only an in-person check. This feels unreasonable. Is there anywhere I can go to get help to persuade them to just do an online check/or no check as its a migration. 

Thanks in advance.

poppy12345

Yes it’s normal to have a first appointment. You can ask for a telephone appointment and they should agree to that. 

iklepig

Thank you for your reply. I cannot use the phone so that's not possible. Up until now I have always communicated by postal letters or they've done home visits. I know UC is online so this replaces postal letters. 
I would've hoped that they'd make the migration process easier for those in ESA SG - after all, we aren't in the support group just because we have something minor like a a sore big toe!!

KxMx

Every application to UC is treated as a new claim, even if you are migrating from legacy benefits. So everyone has to verify ID.

iklepig

Other than them physically checking the original ID documents, what else happens at the first interview? I’ve already supplied all personal info on the online form. I know I’ll have LCWRA from ESA SG. 

As well as the ID documents, do I need to take in my bank statements or any other additional paperwork? (They haven’t asked me to but I like to be prepared & I want to avoid a second appointment as I can’t walk that far easily)

Thanks in advance.

HillStreetBlues

iklepig said:

Other than them physically checking the original ID documents, what else happens at the first interview? I’ve already supplied all personal info on the online form. I know I’ll have LCWRA from ESA SG. 

As well as the ID documents, do I need to take in my bank statements or any other additional paperwork? (They haven’t asked me to but I like to be prepared & I want to avoid a second appointment as I can’t walk that far easily)

Thanks in advance.

Normal ID check and if claiming the housing element proof of costs (EG rental agreement)

KxMx

If you live in social housing and are claiming help with rent, no documents are needed as UC will confirm your rent costs direct with LL.

Spoonie_Turtle

iklepig said:

Thank you for your reply. I cannot use the phone so that's not possible. Up until now I have always communicated by postal letters or they've done home visits. I know UC is online so this replaces postal letters. 

Is there a way around this, like using Relay UK or some similar workaround?
https://www.relayuk.bt.com/