Change to Income based ESA from Contributions based & in Support Group

Hello All

I’m on Contribitions Based ESA & in the Support Group since 2021. I never had any assessment & am sure that I will need to be reviewed at some stage. My claim was for CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety & Depression (15 yr duration) & was my first.

My circumstances have changed however.

I am now in need of Income Related ESA & have also changed address to a new local authority.

I will not be claiming Housing Benefit as I own my home (purchased previously).

I have also been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer (May 23).

How do I proceed? I need to inform the DWP of my health & address changes.

I’m unsure how to apply for income related ESA.

Do I ask for this to be added to my existing contribution based claim?
How does my change to a different local authority impact that?

Will I have to make a new claim altogether?

Will I be told to apply for UC instead?

What about managed migration & doing this voluntarily (loss of protections) naturally (?) & or before a date I’ve read (can’t remember what date) in April this year - when amounts are increasing??

Or do I ask for a supersession??!

(Am in the process of applying for PIP which will have my new address & will be to the appropriate LA. Which I know is irrelevant to my ESA claim.)

I was given no date until which my ESA would be reviewed. And in terms of migration I signed something that I believe is a precursor so may now be on New Style ESA / I think!

Any advice gratefully received. Overwhelmed, anxious & confused

Lorraine

Gordon

Thanks for your reply. It’s not ideal to apply for both at the same time. I am about to have major surgery for my cancer & will not necessarily be able to attend any assessments either due to reported protracted recovery period.

I’m concerned I can’t afford not to apply for UC however especially as PIP could take year(s)?

I understand I would be eligible for council tax relief & could apply for social tarifs.

Would you advise to wait until I know the outcome of pip?

Many thanks

Hi

My post code was in a full service area when I claimed esa so I believe it is new style.

Does that mean my existing claim will migrate to a claim for UC without re assessment - or will I have to re-apply per your first reply?

If so will my current payments continue or could they be stopped pending any new claim.

Gratefully
Lorraine