ESA WRAG TO UC MIGRATION QUERIES

JaneDoeJohnDoe

Still on old style ESA WRAG rates & aware that I think I will get Transitional Protection on UC until it effectively gets worn away. Have just got UC migration letter.

 However, as I first got ESA before 03 April 2017 (the day from when new WRAG claimants did not get any extra premium), will that mean that my TP is actually 'trumped' by that fact & therefore won't get eroded? (As I am an 'old' disability/health claimant & have been before 03 April 2017)

I realise migration to UC for me is best done as late as possible before the cut-off date.

However, after seeing varied posts in various places about ideal times to migrate, I am wondering if there would be a best time\day\date for me to start the claim & migrate to UC.

For example, the day I get my ESA payment in my bank?
The day after?

I also get HB, which means I will get Housing costs incorporated into UC, so knowing that HB is\was paid on the Monday following a new claim (in the old days), would I be best off starting my UC migration on a Sunday?

And one extra question... I get Council tax benefit, so will I need to tell the council about the UC switch or will they get automatic notifications re UC \HB?

I appreciate these questions are a bit specific but knowing my, shall we say 'path' through the process really helps my mind & hence my health. Thx

KxMx

If your total UC award before deductions is lower than legacy benefits, you will receive Transitional Protection.
All Transitional Protection erodes over time. 

It is best to advise your local council re CT that you've applied for UC. They'll probably ask to see your first statement. 

Some areas treat UC income differently to legacy benefits, and as a result some people have to pay more towards Council Tax. 
As each area has different rules we cannot advise on individual cases from here. 

poppy12345

Does your ESA include the Severe Disability Premium? 

JaneDoeJohnDoe

No, just the WRAG element that I had (what was known as the disability premium in the old days pre April 2017) & is around £29 \week

KxMx

In those circumstances your UC award is unlikely to be lower than legacy benefits, thus no entitlement to Transitional Protection.

You can try a benefits calculator to estimate UC award:
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Robbie64

If you are being paid a WRAG component in ESA (pre 03/04/17 claim) then you will be paid the equivalent in UC. You won't need to be compensated by a transitional protection amount for the WRAG component you are receiving as part of your ESA.