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Confusion Between ESA and UC
- R
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7 hours 40 minutes ago #313207 by R
Confusion Between ESA and UC was created by R
Hi all, I’m new here, and I apologize if this has been asked before—I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and couldn’t find clear guidance.
I’ve been receiving Universal Credit since April 2025. After an assessment in September (backdated to July 2025), I was placed on LCWRA. I had heard that I might be eligible for ESA due to my work history (I worked until August 2023), and that that is a better benefit to be on in terms of the type of National Insurance credits received, so I applied for ESA on 16 December 2025 (backdated to 16 September). I had a commitment meeting on 31 December. Today, I received a letter (dated 31 December) saying I’m entitled to New Style ESA from 16 September, at £92.05 per week. However, I’ve never actually received any payments from ESA.
Meanwhile, Universal Credit started deducting £398.88 each month since December, based on the fact they saw a note that I was entitled to ESA. Now they’re also reclaiming amounts backdated to 16 September, so I’ve had more deductions. When I contact UC, they say they can see that I have not been paid but I must talk to ESA. When I contact ESA, they say someone would ring me back, but I haven’t heard back at all.
I have a few questions:
1. Given this confusion, is it even worth continuing with ESA or should I cancel it and remain solely on Universal Credit?
2. Since I’m on LCWRA under UC, should I aim to be placed in ESA’s support group instead of just the contribution-based rate? I had my UC50 LCWRA assessment in September, so I’m wondering if ESA will put me through another assessment. I’m not sure I want to go through that again. In terms of National Insurance credits, does the amount I receive from ESA matter, or can I remain on £92.05 and still receive LCWRA from Universal Credit? Is it necessary to be in the ESA support group? I know there’s a one-year limit if I am not in the support group, but I’m just so overwhelmed by all this. In December, I was told during the ESA commitment meeting that I wouldn’t need another health assessment, yet ESA is now asking for sick notes in this letter I have just received dated 31 December, and they don’t seem to acknowledge I’m on LCWRA with UC. It feels like the two systems don’t talk to each other.
So sorry for the ramble - I am not sure I have been able to explain my concerns clearly. Thank you so much in advance for any advice/direction!
I’ve been receiving Universal Credit since April 2025. After an assessment in September (backdated to July 2025), I was placed on LCWRA. I had heard that I might be eligible for ESA due to my work history (I worked until August 2023), and that that is a better benefit to be on in terms of the type of National Insurance credits received, so I applied for ESA on 16 December 2025 (backdated to 16 September). I had a commitment meeting on 31 December. Today, I received a letter (dated 31 December) saying I’m entitled to New Style ESA from 16 September, at £92.05 per week. However, I’ve never actually received any payments from ESA.
Meanwhile, Universal Credit started deducting £398.88 each month since December, based on the fact they saw a note that I was entitled to ESA. Now they’re also reclaiming amounts backdated to 16 September, so I’ve had more deductions. When I contact UC, they say they can see that I have not been paid but I must talk to ESA. When I contact ESA, they say someone would ring me back, but I haven’t heard back at all.
I have a few questions:
1. Given this confusion, is it even worth continuing with ESA or should I cancel it and remain solely on Universal Credit?
2. Since I’m on LCWRA under UC, should I aim to be placed in ESA’s support group instead of just the contribution-based rate? I had my UC50 LCWRA assessment in September, so I’m wondering if ESA will put me through another assessment. I’m not sure I want to go through that again. In terms of National Insurance credits, does the amount I receive from ESA matter, or can I remain on £92.05 and still receive LCWRA from Universal Credit? Is it necessary to be in the ESA support group? I know there’s a one-year limit if I am not in the support group, but I’m just so overwhelmed by all this. In December, I was told during the ESA commitment meeting that I wouldn’t need another health assessment, yet ESA is now asking for sick notes in this letter I have just received dated 31 December, and they don’t seem to acknowledge I’m on LCWRA with UC. It feels like the two systems don’t talk to each other.
So sorry for the ramble - I am not sure I have been able to explain my concerns clearly. Thank you so much in advance for any advice/direction!
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- David
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3 hours 33 minutes ago #313215 by David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by David on topic Confusion Between ESA and UC
Hi R
With New Style ESA you receive Class 1 National Insurance credits which count towards contributory Benefits and the State Pension. But with UC you only get Class 3 NI credits that count towards the State Pension ( and some Bereavement Benefits ).
I would not close your NS ESA claim until the DWP have sorted out the mistakes and you have been paid your due.
Let us know how you get on.
David
As you have had a WCA and have been placed in the UC LCWRA group then you will go automatically in the New Style ESA Support Group.
As you have only just been notified of your NS ESA entitlement I would phone ESA and enquire when you are going to receive you back payment.
With New Style ESA you receive Class 1 National Insurance credits which count towards contributory Benefits and the State Pension. But with UC you only get Class 3 NI credits that count towards the State Pension ( and some Bereavement Benefits ).
I would not close your NS ESA claim until the DWP have sorted out the mistakes and you have been paid your due.
Let us know how you get on.
David
As you have had a WCA and have been placed in the UC LCWRA group then you will go automatically in the New Style ESA Support Group.
As you have only just been notified of your NS ESA entitlement I would phone ESA and enquire when you are going to receive you back payment.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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