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IR ESA & PIP to UC & PIP Confusion about new style ESA

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3 days 2 hours ago #309143 by Justme
Hello _ Can anybody help me?

I'm so confused about everything!

AFAIK, I was claiming IR ESA (support group) and PIP (both components).
I had to migrate to UC by early Sept, which I did.
I was told I would be migrated into LCWRA group and nothing much would change.
I wrote this in my journal, like I was advised to do.
I got a letter about contribution based ESA changing to new style ESA, and saying I have to meet a work coach.

I am so confused. This is not what I was told would happen. Not what I expected at all.

I phoned the number on the letter I got - about contribution based ESA to new style - I hate using the phone.
They said they would tell someone else, and that someone would have to phone me back.
They did phone me back, even though I said I hate talking on the phone.

When I said I was claiming IR ESA, they told me I didn't know I was claiming contribution ESA, as well as IR ESA..
I don't get it.
I really don't think I was claiming contribution ESA.

Why did I have to leave my old IR ESA (support group) for UC, if I have to claim new style ESA?
Do I have to see a work coach?

I'm autistic, and feeling unwell too, so I'm fatigued and REALLY stressed by all these changes and confusing information.
I feel like I was lied to about my old benefits, and about ESA - UC being easy for people in support group.

Do you know what I should do?

Thank you for any replies.

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3 days 31 minutes ago #309154 by latetrain
Hi Justme

We have had quite a few post similar to you where claimants suddenly discover they were on both IR ESA and CB ESA.

What is happening with your benefits, the IR ESA part is moving over to UC providing you apply, the CB ESA part is moving over to NS ESA you will be asked to sigh 2 claimant commitments, one for UC and one for NS ESA.

As you were in the support group, you should be placed the LCWRA element when you apply for UC.

We would advise you to seek specialist advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation: advicelocal.uk where they can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving you advice.

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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2 days 23 hours ago #309158 by Justme
Hello

Thank you for your reply.
I was told the same thing, but I have ESA letters for every year, and nowhere does it mention contribution anything, only IR + Support + disability premium.
So confused about this sudden mention of contribution

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2 days 23 hours ago #309160 by latetrain
Hi Justme

It is very hard on the letter to spot, if you look on page 4 when you get get an increase notification letter which usually come out February time it is mentioned, but it is hard to spot.
Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Justme

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2 days 23 hours ago #309162 by Justme
Hi

That's what the guy said, but it's not just me (!) looking at these letters, and there really is no mention of anything that says an amount that is contribution.
It says living expenses
extra money disability inc guarantee
+ support group
which gives IR amount

Then it talks about PIP

Finally, it says IR amount - which is same as above. Page 4 is just about treating people fairly.

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2 days 22 hours ago #309164 by Justme
HI

Thank you for this. The man on the phone said the same thing, that it's hard to spot.
It's not just me looking, though, and all it says (in letters for last 4 years) is:

Pages 1 and 2 weekly amount and Christmas bonus figures, also what to do about this or that.
Page 3:
Living expenses = xx
Extra money disability income guarantee = xx
Extra for support group = xx
which gives IR amount = xx
Then it mentions PIP
Says no deductions = IR amount of xx
dates it applies

Page 4 is only about treating people fairly etc

Wouldn't it say somewhere:
+ Contribution based amount = xx. ???? Because that is not any any ESA letter for at least 4 years

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