UC Managed Migration - some questions having read the guides :-)

Hi Team

I've now digested the guides (and then digested the financial blows as much as I can having learned that not only are my premiums being eroded but permitted work is being cut too - sigh).

I've got some outstanding questions with a view to making my application as swift and painless as possible.

1. My deadline for migration is 31st January 2025. As the guides said the final deadline was one calendar month less a day later would my final deadline be 27th February 2025? I plan to start my application after the Christmas period after I've spoken to Housing Benefit.

2. If my original ESA work assessment gained points based on my struggles with starting and completing tasks what are the chances that claiming UC without any request for alternative payments would count against me? Further to this are PIP and UC linked in terms of communication? I've definitely observed clear links between PIP and ESA in the recent past.

3. I received Severe Disability Premiums because I live alone and don't have a regular carer. I used that money to pay for treatment that the NHS don't cover and intermittent support. I think I know the answer to this but I'm going to ask anyway - are there any other means of getting care funds in any other way?

4. The guide mentions that if a WCA is triggered (and I have had that happen to me) it takes 13 weeks (that's minimum in my experience). I'm assuming this means 8 weeks in addition to the 5 regular weeks for an assessment. Does this mean if things go wrong I'd be awarded the standard rate plus housing and if/when I'm awarded the higher LCWRA rate that would be backdated? I'm asking in order to budget for a worse case scenario.

5. If I became self-employed would I need to submit accounts monthly or would they accept a net profit figure?

6. I understand the first assessment period is 5 weeks after application. If legacy benefits stop 2 weeks after application will the first UC payment be for 3 weeks in arrears or will legacy benefits be included in the UC payment?

7. Previously legacy benefits had awards periods. In the guide I noted it said the "DWP may reassess capability for work at any time". Does this mean award periods have been scrapped?

8. What counts as 'making a claim' before the deadline day (I can't find more in my notes on this)? I noted registration must be completed within 7 days and ID must be verified within 28 days of registration. Does ID need to be verified before deadline day or is it sufficient to just complete registration? Additionally if you need to attend an appointment with a work coach does this need to be completed before the first deadline date? Knowing how prone the DWP can be to backlogs I'm trying to mentally budget for contingencies.

Thanks for reading and considering my list of questions. I'm very grateful.

I look forward to reading your reply.

Best wishes

J

Hi David

Thank you for your response.

1. I do need to ideally get through Christmas before I have to budget for a financial shortfall and in general I try to pace my condition. Beyond that my main reason for wanting to know the exact deadlines were in relation to my last point (8). If my ID is verified in a day or two online that's great. If it needs to be verified in person at a Job Centre and that needs to be completed before the deadline I need to budget for that time. I'll check with CAB or Scope.
2. Good to know the different departments talk to each other.
3. I'd never heard of this before. This is very helpful. Thank you.
4/5/6/7/&8 - thank you for the clarification. I'll keep an eye out for the B&W guides and also speak to CAB or Scope if I need further assistance.

Best wishes and thanks again.

J