Universal Credit and changes in ESA Regulations

I am still waiting to be informed that my transfer from SDA (plus IS top-up) to ESA has begun. Yesterday's post by David, referring to his migration from SDA to ESA, was very helpful. At the same time, it terrified me.

When the changes to disability benefits were announced in 2010, I began my preparation straight away by finding out as much as possible from a variety of sources, including your Guides, and writing up answers in the context of the question asked on the ESA50 and at face-to-face WCA interviews. It would be physically impossible for me to complete an ESA50 in the four week allowed or even the six week previously permitted. I have written and read a little every day.

Using successive PDF versions of the ESA, I gradually built up a case for Support Group entry based on:

1. Detailed description of my primary medical, its progressive disabling symptoms that have defied what treatment there is, and the limitations imposed by my symptoms
2. As much medical evidence as I have been able to gather support the above
3. Reference to ESA Regulations 34 (1) and (2) and 35 (2) in my answers to almost all questions applicable to me
4. Test cases at tribunal

I’ve had to dip into my few savings to purchase medical reports and a weak letter of support from my GP, I’m wondering whether I can afford the printer ink for three copies: ATOS, DM, and myself.

I am not the person I was in 2010. My physical condition has progressed, increasing the difficulty of just getting through each. That’s what I have come to expect and accept over a long period. The changes in my mental health are more worrying. The stress of the situation and the physical and mental effort involved in trying to keep up with the legislation involved has taken its toll. What mental health problems I had in 2010 were manageable. Three years on, I’m a mental ruin…and my SDA-ESA transfer hasn’t even started. I cannot concentrate and am finding great difficulty in keeping up with the changes in legislation even with the help of your Guides. Hence my question:

Universal Credit is imminent. I have read/heard that ESA Regulations 35 will become Reg 31. I don’t know whether there is a change to the current ESA Reg 34. How will these changes, almost upon us, affect me?

1. Where is the wording for these new regulations?
2. Will I have to trawl through my answers and additional material changing the wording to fit the new regulations? I would be difficult and maybe impossible to make multiple changes in the four weeks allowed.

I’m at the end of my tether with all this, particularly when I know that even the best outcome is only for three years. The same will be true for the DLA-PIP transfer. I do not have a partner or children. The family member who has been my carer for many years would, I know, be financially better off were I not around. I’m very isolated. I have no real friends- only people who use what information/skills I have. The life I valued, despite so many limitations, is no longer worth anything.

Gordon,

· Has ESA Reg 35 been changed to ESA Reg 31?
· Is there a revised numeral for ESA Reg 34?

Is there an online list of ESA Regulations for Support Group access?

Thanks

Thanks again, Gordon!

I have been thoroughly confused by this article:

blacktrianglecampaign.org/2012/11/16/imp...-note-for-25-and-31/

When changes are made to ESA(IR) I assume the new numerals will be confirmed and highlighted on the forum.

I was uncertain whether I’d be migrated to ESA(CB) or ESA(IR). Thanks for confirming the former. Does this mean (i) that there would be an automatic reassessment before the 365 days run out or (ii) that my income/assets would be checked within the award period?