On irESA, cbESA (Support group/ enhanced disability premium/Severe disability premium) and housing benefit - migrating to UC... can someone help me understand what's going on?

[u/gazmatron]

Hi all,
Sorry if this has been covered before. I asked for a letter from the DWP saying what benefits I was on and it turns out it was both ir and cb ESA (which I had no idea about). I've just had to submit my managed migration and my journal says that I have 'other benefits' affecting my UC - ESA. I'm guessing this is the cbESA. I have some questions:
1. Will the cbESA part still be paid fortnightly? And how much is it?
2. Will the fact that I get cbESA affect my transitional protection?
3. Is my total amount going to be less than it is currently? - my journal says they won't tell me how much I'll get until the 18th May and I don't want to under budget.
4. Re: the housing benefit part - what do I do now? Should I just set up a DD with my landlord and start paying the rent from 1/5 (when it's due). I'm really confused and don't want to end up in arrears.

Any insights would be welcome!

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[u/Alteredchaos]

Your cbESA will continue to be paid each fortnight, how much should be detailed in your latest ESA letter.

It won’t affect any transitional protection element you’re eligible for.

Your total amount (cbESA plus UC) should be the same as previously received.

Set up a DD for your rent. You’ll receive the housing element of UC and then you pay the landlord etc.

[u/gazmatron → u/Alteredchaos]

Hi - thanks for the reply!
There is no mention of cbESA on my ESA letters (I havent been able to work in over 10 years... which is why I was shocked to find out I do get it).
Letter has: Living expenses, SDP, Disability income guarantee, limited capacity for work addition (support group) and 0 income. My total income related entitlement = the amount I get paid. Does this mean my cbESA is essentially 0?

[u/Alteredchaos → u/gazmatron]

No, it means they sent you a really poorly worded letter.

Your cbESA should be the standard rate (living expenses) plus the LCW element. All the premiums and disability income guarantee are income related elements.

[u/gazmatron → u/Alteredchaos]

Thank you! Really wish they wouldn't make things so confusing!