ESA to UC Migration

Hi,

I have received my UC Migration letter and remember reading that B&W would like to hear from people who have received their letters. I am based in Berkshire.

I currently receive Income related ESA and am in the support group. I qualify on the grounds of a mental health condition and also receive the severe disability premium, housing benefit and pip.

I have not read through the guide yet so apologies if the following questions are covered there:

Based on the information above:

- am I likely to have to prove my incapacity for work again (other than by supplying supporting evidence)
- am I likely to have to go through a gruelling face to face interview to prove my overall eligibility again or is someone going to make a sensible decision based on my existing claim (unlikely I know)
- does the migration also migrate my current supporting evidence i.e do I have to find and submit it all again
- are people still being bombarded with contradictory messages once they sign up
- is the 5 week 'hole' between legacy benefits stopping and UC starting filled retrospectively?
- am I likely to have to actively fight for the retention of the SDP ?
- how long does the 'transitional protection' last?

I know that I am going to find this process extremely stressful, particularly as it coincides with the Christmas period. I would be grateful if anyone can answer some or all of the above. It would also be great if people with the same combination of benefits could let me know of their experiences.

Many thanks

Many thanks. I have printed out the 50 page migration guide (Nov 24). Can I safely ignore the shorter 28 page guide (May 24) ?