Income Support clain changing to ESA?

I am a 40 year old single parent and suffer from severe arthritis to my spine knees hips ankles (most lower joints) as well as chronic IBS and Depression. I have 2 children the oldest almost 16 and the youngest only 9. I currently claim Income Support, Child Tax Credits, Child Benefit and DLA high rate mobility and middle rate care. I have received a letter from the Jobcentre Plus stating that my claim for IS will end in January and that I need to attend an interview to make a claim for JSA or 'another benefit'. I phoned the office and they conceded that they would do the interview by phone as the only way I was guaranteed to attend was by taxi. I am now terrified of what is to come as I have heard of so many horror stories about those claiming ESA. I am after some advice as to what to expect in making the claim and the transition from IS to ESA. I was told about 5 years ago at a DWP medical that I never needed to supply a sick note or another medical. Please any advice or pointers would be great.
Many thanks Aneyj

If you are claiming Income Support on the grounds of disability, that is you have a disability premium and perhaps also a severe disability premium included in your applicable amount, your IS should not end in January.

From what I can gather from your post, your IS may be terminating because your youngest child has reached the age where under normal IS rules, single parents are required to transfer to JSA or ESA if they are incapable of work. However, as you may have received IS for some other reason than just being a lone parent, you are entitled to retain IS until such time that the ESA migration process commences nationwide next year. Only then should you be migrated to income-based ESA.

If the afore-mentioned circumstances apply in your case, you should contact your JCP/BD office and inform them that under the present regulations you can remain on IS, until such time as your award is reviewed upon ESA migration.