Looking for advice on UC migration from ESA with 4 weeks left to claim

I am currently receiving income based ESA (support group), housing benefit and standard daily living PIP. I received a UC migration notice at the end of last year giving me a deadline to claim by the 21st of March. I have a lot of mental health problems including diagnosis on the autism spectrum with OCD and anxiety disorder. After receiving the migration notice I went into a spiral of worry which led to the exacerbation of a stress related eye condition I have had for a few years. 10 days ago I went through a particularly stressful day and then started to see a yellow ball of light in my left eye. I have been seen at the optician and yesterday at the hospital. My condition has become significantly worse and could be a threat to the sight in my left eye unless I reduce my stress levels. I have been referred to a specialist but I have been told this will take 6 weeks to be seen.

I have been avoiding taking action on my UC migration due to concerns about the process and what it would involve. I have been worrying and ruminating a lot about it. I thought of visiting citizens advice but I get very anxious when I am out of the house and perform a lot of OCD routines just to get out of the door. All of these problems are making it harder for me to get started and I am concerned that the deadline is approaching. I am hoping to get some advice on how I can move forward in manageable steps so that I can migrate within the timeframe I have been given and get the support I need to complete this process correctly and without getting too stressed. With that in mind I have a few questions I would like to ask you and would be really grateful for any help:

Is there a step by step guide to the migration process?

Are there particular documents I need to prioritise getting hold of or action steps I need to take asap due to only having 4 weeks left to claim?

I am finding It more comfortable with my eye issue to read paper rather than a screen. I was therefore thinking of printing out some of the guides to UC migration. Is the Jan 2025 guide "successful ESA to UC managed migration" the best one for me to print? Is there a blank copy of the online UC migration form so I can see what I need to fill in?

Thanks very much for your help

Thanks David, I will take a look at those resources. Can I also just ask you whether there is any difference between visiting a CAB in person or talking with a cab advisor over the phone in terms of the support they could offer me? The phone option would be easier for me but I could get to the CAB in person if that was a better route to go down?

Hi David, thanks for your replies which I really appreciate. I have printed the successful migration guide and watched the video you linked. I haven't contacted the CAB yet as I get quite flustered during phone calls relating to benefits. The issue that confuses me the most is when I should make my claim. My letter says I am entitled to transitional protection. I am aware that the benefits are uprated on the 8th of April which I read in the guide can lead to an erosion of TP. With my deadline on the 21 March and UC calculated 1 month from the claim date should I leave my claim until at least 11 March to make sure I don't lose out when benefits are uprated?

I also wondered with my eye problem being entirely stress related whether it is worth me asking for an extension to return my form? With my OCD I find it difficult to switch off and I am constantly ruminating about this issue. All this will likely make my eye worse and I can't see the specialist for 6 weeks. I read the experiences of another forum member who was given an inconclusive answer to the same question when he phoned the UC helpline. As my deadline is only a month away I wonder if it is perhaps too late to seek an extension if it ends up just causing confusion. Due to my concerns around phone calls could I maybe write to UC to ask for an extension? Thanks again for your advice.