ESA to UC another appointment

Hi Johngallz

If the above is your real name will you please change your Forum user name for internet security reasons.
The DWP are being careless about the way they communicate at present. They say it's because they are rushing through UC Migration in one year instead of 4. They are telling ESA migrants all sorts of nonsense and you are very lucky if you get an apology ( maybe a sneer from a Work Coach ). If you go into a Jobcentre the first thing you'll see is 2 or 3 aggressive security guards.
But don't worry. If you are moving from the ESA support group you don't need a Fit Note and you don't have to give any details of your health conditions.
Here is another Forum members experience of the phone interview for New Style ESA--



Hi, had my telephone appointment. It had been rescheduled and the letter emailed to me about the new appointment was a bit more 'personal' . It stated 'We have arranged a telephone interview with a work coach. At this interview you will need to agree and accept your claimant commitment. The claimant commitment is your record of the actions that you need to take to continue getting New Style ESA. It will not include any work-related activities' It also describes it as New Style ESA New Joiner (Migrated Claim as UC Claim). Why on earth was I so worried, there was literally nothing asked. The coach/advisor simply stated why the call is needed, it was to update the claim as I had migrated. Then went through basic security questions (the only questions asked!). I was then told they need to know I am aware to report any changes. This is done by them simply telling you. Thats it. They will email you or post a letter for your records. I was also told that if I needed any help or had any problems with payment to contact said person who would raise it in head office in Belfast where the payments are done. I could use the UC journal for the case manager but if no joy for ESA related matters contact them. THere was absolutely no prying or tricks. It literally, if you dont ask any questions, be over in 3 mins. The letter calls it an interview that will last 30 mins, and we will ask you about your health. They know I was in support group, but in the call it was not mentioned only stated I just need to inform them of any changes like others have said. Hope this puts peoples mind at rest.

Let me know how you get on.
David

Hi johngallz

That does not sound correct, claimants claiming CB ESA are transferred to NS ESA and they may be entitled to a UC top up. NS ESA is paid every fortnight, whereas UC is paid monthly.

When legacy ESA claimants apply for UC they are asked if they are on ESA at the initial stage, what should happen once they have applied for UC, claimants should get an initial phone call to ask if they were in either the support group of WRA group. They should then be placed in either the LCWRA group or the LCW group without having to give a fit note although here on the forum we hear from members who are asked to give their work coach a fit note, this is incorrect and claimants should ask to speak to their work coach line manager and make a note on their journal.

Gary