Managed Migration and CBESA 2 week Run On

First of all thank you for your excellent guide to managed migration which I’ve just finished reading (and really wish I’d read earlier).

At the end there’s a bit re CBESA changing to new style ESA - I was expecting that because I’d recently discovered I’ve been on CBESA with an IRESA top up for all these years. I really had no idea until I also realised why I’d been getting a P60U every year. Anyway, the bit in question is where it says that while legacy benefits will run on for two weeks and be disregarded as income, if you receive CBESA then upon conversion to New Style ESA that will be deducted from your first UC payment.

I’d been relieved to think I’d still get my ESA for a fortnight after making my claim. Now, however, I’m absolutely gutted to know that the majority of this will then be deducted from my first payment. So whereas people on IRESA only will be two weeks ‘better off’, those of us on CBESA, with an IRESA top up will effectively ‘lose’ part of our two week run on buffer.

Could someone please clarify (because it’s not entirely clear in the guide) if this is definitely the case, or something that ‘can’ happen?

The more I read about all of this, the more despondent I become. I thought I was doing quite well as I’d even worked out my transitional element after an age of tackling confusing sums; but now, I’m really quite worried to know that in my first month on UC I’ll be an extra £140.55 worse off.

Hi Delilah

I was in exact same position and below is what my outcome was.

2 weeks After making my UC claim I received final 2 week CB ESA Payment (2 week run on).

I was then transferred from Old CB ESA to New style ESA.

After 5 weeks I received first UC payment with New style ESA payment deducted (deduction will be an average).

You will continue to receive a payment every 2 weeks of £281.10 which is for New style ESA.

Taking everything into account I am no worse or better off.

I hope my info helps and eases your worry.

Good Luck.

Hmm, not sure why that came out like that! Is it possible for someone to please edit out all that stuff at the bottom underneath the quote?