Contribution based ESA only to Universal Credit

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some advice. My friend has recently been widowed and gets only Contribution based ESA and was never on income related because of her late husband’s salary.
She is in the Support Group. She lives on her own and she has no savings. She does get PIP.
She thought she would be better off applying for Universal Credit but they said her total entitlement before deductions was £400.14. They said deductions of ESA £609.05 means her entitlement is £0. Surely she would also be entitled to £423.27 since she is in the Support group? This would give a total amount of £823.41 minus £609.05 which gives a total amount of £214.36 Universal Credit?
What are we not understanding? I would be very grateful if someone could explain as she is really struggling at the minute.

Thank you.
Jessica

Hi David,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes she has showed me her UC statement.

It says “Assessment period: 30 September to 29 October 2025.”

It then says below this, “Your payment this month is £0. This will be paid by 8pm on 5 November 2025”.

It says, “Standard allowance. You get a standard amount each month. You said you were single £400.14. Total entitlement before deductions £400.14.”

Then below this it says “What we take off (deductions) Other benefits, we take money off your payment. As this is an average of other benefits that you’ve continuing to claim Employment and Support Allowance -£609.05.”

Below this it says, “ Money, savings and investments we have take -£0.00 off your Universal Credit payment because you have money , savings and investments of £146.00.”

We are not sure what to do David and are unsure what to write in the Journal as this is all new to us.

Thank you so much for any help with this, it is much appreciated.
Jessica

Hi David,

Thank you very much for your reply, it is very much appreciated.

She has made a complaint on her Journal.

I read if you have limited capability for work-related activity the amount is £423.27 but if you have limited capability for work and you started your health-related Universal Credit or ESA Claim before 3 April 2017 the amount is £158.76.
Which amount would would my friend be entitled to? She has been on ESA since it was Incapacity Benefit.

Thank you again David for all your advice.
Jessica