Conference Feb 2025

Conference: Managed Migration Update

In this Conference we looked at what's happening in 2025 for those still to migrate over to UC, and those who already have.

Comments from delegates who attended the Conference:

I thought it was an extremely well run and informative training day, and I learned a lot from it.

Good pace, lots of useful practical information and good examples

I always enjoy the presentation style for conferences / workshops from Housing Systems as the topics are always explained so well and clearly in language I can understand.

All the speakers were really interesting and all the information very much relevant to our current work. Receiving the pack with the added extras was brilliant!

9.30am Welcome

Conference started with a welcome from the Chair, Peter Barker.

9.35am Managed Migration - the year ahead

We will hear what's happening in 2025.

10.00am The Enhanced Support Journey

We will outline the support the DWP are providing IR-ESA claimants moving across to UC through Managed Migration - the Enhanced Support Journey.

10.30am Break

10.45am Guest speakers: UC for those with complex needs

George Coffey and Lara Christie from Inverclyde Council

Many claimants moving from ESA to UC will have complex needs. The UC system should make reasonable adjustments to ensure these claimants experience the same level of service as everyone else and are treated fairly.

George and Lara will explain how a UC claimant can get the right information into their UC claim to help the DWP provide them with the most appropriate service, helping reduce anxiety about being on UC, minimising potential problems and challenging decisions.

11.45am The Transitional Element - erosion and loss

Between 40-50% of those who have moved onto UC through the Managed Migration process have been entitled to transitional protection and many claimants will have a Transitional Element in their UC award.

But this is only safe for their first Assessment Period, after that it can be eroded or lost altogether.

This erosion and loss can mean that claimants don't receive the extra UC they need when they experience key changes in their circumstances, or could see a sudden drop in their income when they're not expecting it.

In this session we take you through the rules so that you are better informed to support your customers in 2025.

12.30pm Lunch

1.15pm Workshop 1: Making the move onto UC

Choose between:

1A: Moving from ESA - process, problems and practicalities

1B: Getting the timing right

1A: Moving from ESA - process, problems and practicalities

In this workshop we explore what should happen when an ESA claimant moves onto UC.

We also highlight what can go wrong and how to minimise these problems so that the move is as smooth as it can be.

1B: Getting the timing right

Once an ESA claimant receives their Managed Migration Notice they have three months to make their claim for UC.

For some there can be a better time to claim to maximise their entitlement to UC going forward.

In this workshop we use case studies to explore those timing issues. These will include: about to request a WCA review, ESA claimants with permitted earnings, those awaiting a PIP decision, about to become a Mixed Aged Couple, about to lose the SDP and April uprating.

This workshop is aimed at benefit advisers and those with a good knowledge of UC.

2.30pm Break

2.45pm Workshop 2: On UC - What now?

Choose between:

2A: Conditionality and minimising sanctions

2B: Maximising entitlement for those with a health condition

2A: Conditionality & Minimising Sanctions

In this workshop we will explore the different conditionality groups, why UC claimants get sanctioned, how to reduce sanctions and how and when to challenge a sanction.

2B: Maximising entitlement for those with a health condition

Once on UC we need to ensure claimants maximise their UC award.

This workshop will look at:

- ESA claimants moving onto UC with permitted earnings

- starting work whilst on UC: who can keep/have a LCW

- the work allowance and when it should kick in

- impact an award of PIP can have on a UC award

- the special rules for Mixed Age Couples

Using case studies, we will explain the rules and provide hints and tips to maximise UC entitlement.

4.00pm Guest Speaker: HB in 2025

Peter Barker looks at the impact Managed Migration is having on Housing Benefit and Local Authorities.

4.15pm Q and A Panel

4.30pm Close