ESA Support Group Migration Help

DarthDaisy

I had a letter saying my ESA Support Group (Income Related??) is being migrated and I must go online to a move to UC link.

I am totally perplexed by forms, especially online forms, I had a housing benefit review a while back and it crashed 23 times over several weeks, each time losing the data.

Last time I did anything like this I had some help from a local charity that seems to have disappeared.  

Is there a way to apply by PDF as I only have internet from Hotspots?  Where can I get the PDF online?

I was put off applying for PIP when they allegedly "lost" my application which was soul destroying, but now I think I might as well apply for that too, can I do them both at the same time?  The main thing for PIP will be mobility element, I am disabled and have blue badge.

Can anyone recommend a charity who can help, I have seen some people who seem to charge for forum access similar to that provided here.

I am not fit to work and barely managing self care, being in ESA Support group I am not required to do interact with the DWP, does that change with UC?

The letter said my existing benefits would END 2 weeks after I make my universal credit claim, so does this mean 2 weeks from starting or finishing the claim?

I seriously doubt I can do this myself, I will need to get my medical evidence which has only got worse since my original application for ESA.

What are the downsides to this move, I read somewhere a while back that the last Gov made payments monthly, I already had to wait months and was paid in arrears with ESA, so is this a stunt to pay me in further arrears and somehow take money from me?  My HA did exactly this which is why I am concerned.

Money is really tight and to be honest I did not expect or want to be around this long, I have no savings except for a few months energy bills coverage that I am saving for winter.

If there are any suggestions, warnings or similar then I would appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.

KxMx

Citizens Advice offer a Help to Claim service, they can support you before during and after your claim. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/contact-us-about-universal-credit/

You either apply using the online form, or by phone. If you apply by phone you won't have an online account to manage your claim. 

You don't need to submit medical evidence other than a list of your conditions when you apply. 

You will automatically receive the UC equivalent of ESA Support Group (LCWRA), and won't be expected to interact with them for any work activity. 

UC is paid one month in arrears. That's how it has been designed. 

ESA/HB end 2 weeks after you apply for UC by submitting the application form. 

PIP is separate to UC so you will need to apply separately. 

Strongly recommend getting help filling in the forms. 

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/