UC and New Style ESA enquiry.

Silver925

Hi not been on for a while. I hope everyone well and keeping safe. I just wanted some conformation please. My sister who has been a Carer for over 20 years lost her Husband at the start of April. She was getting Carers allowance which stopped. I had to help her apply for UC remotely because of lockdown as she was so scared and hasn't claimed anything for years her husband did it. I spoke to her over landline while she filled in UC claim on her smart phone. Later the next day she got call to confirm her Identity. She got her first payment end of May. She sends in sick notes from Doctor. She is anxious that she's claimed the wrong benefit and says should she claim ESA New Style instead. I said that was for people who paid NICs through work so no. Could someone tell me if this is correct. Sorry for long winded question. She did not really understand the modern Benefits system. Thanks

Crumbled72

New style esa is these days included to Universal Credit, she only needs to apply separately if she would be eligible for Contribution based ESA. My year of that just ended, so back to Carers Allowance (cannot be paid at the same time). 

She just needs to tell properly her needs, medical conditions etc. UC will then decide if she needs f2f assessment.

janer1967

Hi and welcome, IF she is sending in sick notes this will prompt a work capability assessment. She will be sent UC50 form to complete and then have an assessment similar to PIP. She could then be given one of 3 outcomes
1 Found fit for work (would be expected to look for work and have work coach interviews
2 Limited capability to work (be expected to prepare for work and when required attend training)
3 Limited capability for work related activities ( not required to look for work and an additional payment made on top oif UC approx. £341 per month)


Does she claim PIP or would she be eligible for this

Silver925

Hi thanks for your reply. No she is not eligible for PIP. She has very bad anxiety at the moment because of her Husband's death. She said she was told on the phone she might be able to get NS ESA but she hasn't worked for many years. I think she might have been misinformed as I thought you needed to have paid NICs through employment. 

Silver925

She also got a bereavement payment after he died and a run on of Carer's Allowance for a short while. I think she spoke to a benefits advisor it was just very difficult to help her when you can't see anyone in person. She got it all sorted in the end. Thanks for your reply.