Contributions Based NS ESA to UC query (not transitional)

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81876438#Comment_81876438

My technical concern is more around the various savings and capital holdings I have. Of course, the caveat is none of this might be necessary, but if it is I will need to close so many accounts and there'll be varying methods to do that, whether it be in app, chat bot, calling the building society/bank et al, remembering all the passwords, security measures etc. I'm expecting at least one or two not to be closable early, then I need to figure out which liabilities to pay off and how much. There is also a chance that my primary bank might not appreciate all of this sudden flurry of activity and the system freezes it. For example eToro partially froze my account for nearly two weeks a short time ago, I was unable to withdraw funds. If it happens it's going to be a significant undertaking. With my finance background doing it shouldn't be too challenging, but I'm bound to face some at this point unknown obstacles and hopefully will have some slack to get it all done. I have already cleaned up some accounts with residual balances, that have no material impact. And really needed to be tidied up anyway!

TimeLord1

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/690cabeb276dd02bc451ab30/wca_50.pdf

There's also talk of a light touch form involving a tick box quick reply address, has your condition changed sign date. But I've yet to see any evidence of it. Nothing quick on that WCA50

Altior

Should it come about, I've almost definitely decided now to go with a UC application. The way I see it, SG is the most vulnerable benefit for no transition, as it could be argued that anyone who doesn't have the means can apply for UC instead, and if they do have the means then the support could be time limited. I do wonder what kind of numbers of people there are currently on CB NS ESA that would qualify for UC, but haven't applied.

TimeLord1

26,000 ESA claimants had their legacy claims closed because they failed to apply for UC after receiving their notice that was stats from late 2025 so clearly some could but didn't bother or couldn't or fear of the unknown. I also assume they have to follow up to see what has happened or has gone wrong with these people. I guess an explanation will surface in time.

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81877020#Comment_81877020

Are these IB based NS ESA?

I'm thinking of those on CB NS ESA, that perhaps wouldn't have qualified for UC when they went through their initial WCA, or still wouldn't qualify now (as the SG is, in theory, indefinite even on CB).

TimeLord1

Unsure but it's very high I imagine many possibly in care or similar circumstances relying on others to apply on their behalf. But it will seem like a success to the DWP money saved.

Yamor

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81803107#Comment_81803107

It is no longer true to say that your UC claim has to be made prior to 6th April. The government have today published new legislation which will mean that a new claim for UC by someone who has been on ESA with the support component from before 6th April, will still get the higher LCWRA rate.

Altior

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81877651#Comment_81877651

Thanks Yamor! That's along the lines of the written response provided by Timms that I quoted. So now it is formal.

It's still the holding pattern waiting for the decision for me personally, but at least the time pressure is off.

Yamor

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81877704#Comment_81877704

Yes, the new regs definitely help in your case (which will be a new claim for UC when you were already entitled to ns-ESA with the support component).

However, in the case of a transfer from ir-ESA to UC (which is what Stephen Timms was actually talking about), it wouldn't seem to apply.

The Explanatory Memorandum to the new Regs does say that it is intended to cover even that scenario, so it would appear to simply be an error in the regs.

Hopefully, they'll correct it.

Altior

I've been placed in the support group, so my angst is nearly over, at least for the time being!

Many thanks to everyone who has had an input into my scenario.

There are still multiple factors to consider in regard to a UC application, but these variables are more in my arc. The UC application itself may throw up some aspects I need technical advice on, however now the hard deadline has been removed for those applicants in my scenario, I now probably won't be applying until the second half of the year, possibly even next year.