Hi everyone! I've gone through the dreaded uc switch last week, 27th. Deadline was the 4th. Everything seemed easy checked all the list off ,ID,all proofs and accepted the claiment agreement. To check my account regularly and report changes,which sounds fair as I'm in the support group. But today I received a letter about cb esa ending and new style beginning. It says I'm required to attent an appointment to discuss how my health affects my ability to work and to give medical evidence. Any advice would be appreciated as surely that's not correct.
Unfortunately it appears to be partly correct due to the following reason that New Style ESA comes with a Claimant Commitment. When you go through UC Managed Migration any old Contribution Based ESA you were receiving is converted into New Style ESA which is basically the same thing. However unlike old ESA you have to agree a Claimant Commitment for the New Style. This should just be a formality but usually means attending the Jobcentre to sign the form. But they should not be asking for medical evidence as you are in the Support Group. If you are unable to travel to the Jobcentre for health reasons you can request a telephone interview.
As with the old Contributions Based ESA, New Style ESA is deducted £ for £ from the other means tested Benefits such as UC.
You can communicate with the Jobcentre by sending messages in your UC Journal or by phoning the UC Helpline.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
