UC - Loss of transitional protection through house move

Tara100

Hello.

After managed migration a couple of months ago, I now get reduced UC plus ESA top up fortnightly.

I was on a mix of contribution based and Income based ESA.

(I didn't realise I was on a mixed type until the switch)

I plan to move home next year to a different county council authority, which is a 'change of circumstances' I have learned this triggers a loss of transitional protection.

Can I check that claimants still lose TP when on previous mixed ESA type please? 

Thank you

tacpot12

This link only lists two changes of circumstances that cause your TP to end: Transitional protection if you receive a Migration Notice letter - GOV.UK

The two conditions are: changes to your relationship status, such as a partner moving into or out of your household  and changes that end your Universal Credit claim.

Moving house isn't listed as something that will end your TP, so you should still get some TP. The same link lists "an increase in housing costs (rent)" as a change that will reduce your TP. 

So if you are moving to somewhere that the rent is higher for, you will get less TP, but you will still get some. 

KxMx

Your Transitional Protection will reduce by a corresponding amount, if your Housing Element increases. 

NedS

Moving house, per se, will not end your Transitional Protection, unless you were to move in with a partner (if you were single) or separate from a partner if in a couple claim.

However, the amount of Transitional Protection you receive can reduce by the amount of any rent increase (an increase in the housing element of UC you are entitled to). If the increase in rent were sufficient, this could mean a complete reduction in Tractional Protection element that is payable, but other Transitional Protections such as the 12 month capital disregards would still apply.

KxMx

OP mentioned ESA, the 12 month TP capital disregard only applies to those migrating from Tax Credits with over £16k capital. 

Tara100

NedS said:

Moving house, per se, will not end your Transitional Protection, unless you were to move in with a partner (if you were single) or separate from a partner if in a couple claim.

However, the amount of Transitional Protection you receive can reduce by the amount of any rent increase (an increase in the housing element of UC you are entitled to). If the increase in rent were sufficient, this could mean a complete reduction in Tractional Protection element that is payable, but other Transitional Protections such as the 12 month capital disregards would still apply.

I messed up, I should have checked before posting 😁 

I was looking at the rules after a house move to a new LA while on legacy benefit ESA. That would have triggered a fresh claim from old ESA to UC, so no TP then.