Being moved to UC

Firstly, here's what happens if you DON'T contact them or make a UC claim -

They will send you reminder letters, and extend the deadline a couple of times. Then they will say they are coming to visit you at home and will send you an appointment. If you are not in or don't answer the door, they will put a letter through saying they will return in a week or two. If you still aren't in (or don't answer), they'll give you a few more extentions. This whole process will go on for a few months, after which they will give you a final warning and a final deadline, then they will terminate your ESA.

I know this because I got my migration letter earlier this year and decided not to claim UC, and didn't bother contacting them.

On the migration letter there is a telephone number for the 'Help to Claim' service, which is run by the CAB but funded by the DWP. I haven't used it myself but I hear they are very helpful. Apparently if you want to claim online, they will walk you through it, and if you struggle to claim online, they are supposed to contact the DWP for you so they can take a claim over the phone.

I conveniently wasn't in when the "visiting officer" came round, but I've heard that they are very professional, and [i]apparently[/i] will take your claim and deal with identity documents there and then. But I can't vouch for this.

If you make a claim for UC by the deadline, you will be entitled to "transitional protection". This means the amount of UC you get will be the same as for ESA. However, depending on what rate you get, it may go down over time, as UC can pay less than ESA, and 'transitional protection' is just there to make sure you don't end up with a big drop in income immediately.

Again, if you make the claim by the deadline, your existing medical status (work-related activity or support group) should automatically transfer over and you will not need to send in sick notes or have a medical. If you don't claim by the deadline [or extended deadline], then any claim will be treated as a new claim and you will have to go through the medical assessment again and you will not be entitled to transitional protection.

Its really quite a stupid system. They've built in so many safeguards to try and get existing claimants extra help with migration, but yet they make the whole process of claiming so difficult. 

Hope that helps.

Firstly, here's what happens if you DON'T contact them or make a UC claim -

They will send you reminder letters, and extend the deadline a couple of times. Then they will say they are coming to visit you at home and will send you an appointment. If you are not in or don't answer the door, they will put a letter through saying they will return in a week or two. If you still aren't in (or don't answer), they'll give you a few more extentions. This whole process will go on for a few months, after which they will give you a final warning and a final deadline, then they will terminate your ESA.

I know this because I got my migration letter earlier this year and decided not to claim UC, and didn't bother contacting them.

On the migration letter there is a telephone number for the 'Help to Claim' service, which is run by the CAB but funded by the DWP. I haven't used it myself but I hear they are very helpful. Apparently if you want to claim online, they will walk you through it, and if you struggle to claim online, they are supposed to contact the DWP for you so they can take a claim over the phone.

I conveniently wasn't in when the "visiting officer" came round, but I've heard that they are very professional, and [i]apparently[/i] will take your claim and deal with identity documents there and then. But I can't vouch for this.

If you make a claim for UC by the deadline, you will be entitled to "transitional protection". This means the amount of UC you get will be the same as for ESA. However, depending on what rate you get, it may go down over time, as UC can pay less than ESA, and 'transitional protection' is just there to make sure you don't end up with a big drop in income immediately.

Again, if you make the claim by the deadline, your existing medical status (work-related activity or support group) should automatically transfer over and you will not need to send in sick notes or have a medical. If you don't claim by the deadline [or extended deadline], then any claim will be treated as a new claim and you will have to go through the medical assessment again and you will not be entitled to transitional protection.

Its really quite a stupid system. They've built in so many safeguards to try and get existing claimants extra help with migration, but yet they make the whole process of claiming so difficult. 

Hope that helps.

You make it sound very logical and easy to get universal credit.  My experience has been different.  I am making my first claim for disability benefits. Hence the 24 page UC form.  Currently;

1. The work coach at my job centre insists I am fit and healthy.   I attended every two weeks and I am forced to apply for several jobs or else my benefits will be stopped.
2. I find it very difficult to succeed at interviews despite many employability schemes. 
3. When I start a job, I am quickly fired as unemployable. 
4. Cycle starts again.

I am also suicidal and one step from Broadmoor.