I helped my daughter through migration recently which, to date, has gone smoothly. However, I a little confused over receipt of ESA and UC LCWRA element.
Long term, my daughter was in the ESA Support group but on income-related ESA. Upon migration the DWP said she was being moved onto Contribution-based ESA even though, being unable to work ever, I thought she could not receive. I believe this is what they call new-style ESA.
The confusing part arises because I assumed she would cease receiving ESA completely and would receive just UC instead.
My question is: is this how it is supposed to work? Is it the normal case that she receives ESA (by whatever name it is called) in tandem with UC with a deduction, or are we supposed to stop ESA ourselves and then get UC with no deduction? Is there any problem with continuing to receive new-style ESA like this or are we doing something wrong? I'd like to sort this out sooner rather than later if we are in the wrong.
Your daughter's experience is familiar to a majority of our ESA forum members. It is correct that she now receives New Style ESA with a top up of UC. She will not be better off if she attempts to change this.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
