Universal credit and ESA50

At yesterday’s Disability Benefits Consortium, there was a question raised about whether anyone knows what the approach will be for the ESA50 (or whatever it’s equivalent becomes) when Universal Credit is introduced.

Given that the government has stated unequivocally that there will be no paper-based claims for universal credit, does anyone have any information as to whether the whole system is to become digital? Will sick and disabled people also be expected to complete details of their illness/impairment and functional abilities online or through the telephone?

The ESA50 is not part of the claims process, but is evidence-gathering for an established claim. It does however appear to be true that people will not be treated as having LCW/LCWRA until after assessment. How will things like capital and income be verified for the purposes of an on-line claim of UC is another interesting question.
Anyway, I bet they haven’t thought this through yet.

Yes, Essie (who was in doing some training for us today) made the same point as you about it being evidence, rather than a claim. Let’s hope that’s correct in practice, otherwise things could start to become very messy. Thanks anyway.

If people are not treated as having lcw/lcwra until after their assessment how will this affect their claimant commitment whilst waiting for a wca decision? Please tell me a fit note will cover them or we will have people being sanctioned all over the place.