UC Problem

Hi dpeplow,

It's possible to claim both New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) at the same time. However, the ESA payment will be deducted from your UC payment, meaning you won't necessarily get a higher overall payment. If you claim both, you'll only undergo one Work Capability Assessment.
Here's a more detailed explanation:

Dual Claim: You can apply for both New Style ESA and UC simultaneously.

ESA Deducted: The amount you receive in ESA will be taken off your UC payment.
Combined Assessment: If you're claiming both, you'll only have one Work Capability Assessment.
No Guarantee of Increased Income: While you can claim both, it doesn't guarantee you'll get a higher total income, as the ESA payment will be deducted from your UC.
Savings: New Style ESA is a flat-rate benefit and isn't affected by your savings.
Limited Time: Unless you're in the support group, New Style ESA payments are limited to 12 months.
Work-Related Requirements: If you're claiming both, the work-related requirements are the same as if you had Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work and Work-related Activity.
Self-Reporting: If you're claiming both, you must self-report any earnings related to your New Style ESA to Jobcentre Plus.
Transitional Protection: If you're moving from ESA to UC, you might have transitional protection, meaning you won't need to go through the work capability assessment again and will be placed in the equivalent group you were in previously on ESA.
Financial Advice: If you're unsure whether to claim both or if you have complex circumstances, it's recommended to seek advice from a financial advisor or benefits advisor.

Chris.

Hi dpeplow

From your post I would assume that you were in receipt of both IR ESA and CB ESA (legacy benefits). I would assume that you received IR ESA as you were eligible to claim disability premiums such as SDP and EDP. You cannot claim disability premiums claiming only CB ESA.

When you transfer over to UC, NS ESA takes the place of CB ESA and UC takes the place of IR ESA but there are no disability premiums with UC, although as you were in the support group then you should be placed in the LCWRA group until you are next re-assessed.

Gary