Missed call from 08000232635

paries1

Hi everyone , had 2 missed called from this number straight after each other . I never answer my phone if I don’t know who it is . Looked up the number and it’s DWP . I get LCWRA and haven’t been reassessed for 4 years . Do you think it’s about that ? Will they leave a message on my journal and send out the UC50? 

I’m feeling sick in the pit of my stomach now . 

Alex_Scope

Hi @paries1 thanks for your question. It's hard for us to say exactly what it was about. Do you think you could you leave a message on your journal asking about the missed calls?

poppy123456

paries1 said:

Will they leave a message on my journal and send out the UC50?

When you're eventually referred then you will receive a letter on your journal telling you that they are referring you. You will then receive the form within the week.

paries1

I’ve logged into my journal and got a message saying I’m due a WCA and they need consent to contact my GP ( supple GP name , address and number) . It says we need to contact your GP to make a decision, nothing about a UC50. If I am going to be reassessed I hope it won’t just be by speaking to my GP. I thought you couldn’t be seen as fit for work unless you have an assessment and filled out the UC50 form . 

poppy123456

They do seem to be doing that for some people at the moment because there's been at least 2 threads on here very recently. You should still be referred for a WCA after this, where you will receive a letter on your journal, as advised. When you receive the UC50 form you need to make sure you treat it as a new claim and don't forget to send any extra supporting evidence with the from.

Not everyone will be reviewed, it's only certain people who will be referred anytime between now and 15th July.

paries1

Ok , thanks Poppy . 

Will they accept old medical evidence ? My 2 year therapy programme finished last September but I’m being referred for more therapy ( still waiting )  . I’m still on really strong meds so if the contact my GP hopefully he’ll tell them this. I suppose I kind of knew I’d be due to be reassessed . My anxiety already has me worried that I’ll lose everything. 

poppy123456

My advice is to send any evidence you have. Make sure you have a look at the descriptors for LCWRA before you fill out the form so you know what to concentrate on. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

paries1

poppy123456 said:

My advice is to send any evidence you have. Make sure you have a look at the descriptors for LCWRA before you fill out the form so you know what to concentrate on. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Does it matter how old the evidence is ? 

poppy123456

No, not at all. Medical evidence isn’t really needed anyway. 

My last review was just as the first lockdown was announced in 2020 and my form was based on anecdotal evidence. The only other evidence is sent was a repeat prescription list and a letter from my OT, with very little information on it.

I had a paper based assessment, with the decision in about 7 weeks after returning the form. 

paries1

Thanks Poppy , I have quite a few reports but some are quite a few years old . I was really hoping to be left alone until later this year  

paries1

poppy123456 said:

No, not at all. Medical evidence isn’t really needed anyway. 

My last review was just as the first lockdown was announced in 2020 and my form was based on anecdotal evidence. The only other evidence is sent was a repeat prescription list and a letter from my OT, with very little information on it.

I had a paper based assessment, with the decision in about 7 weeks after returning the form. 

I suppose I’ve been luck in both times I filled in the form I had 2 paper based , I think this time I’ll def have a HCP harassing me. 

Just another question pls , if you’re found fit for work and after MR still the same then go to tribunal does this takes months ? And while you’re waiting will you be expected to look for work ? 

Sorry I’m just really panicking atm 

poppy123456

I think everyone was hoping they wouldn’t be contacted this year. 

If the worst happens and you’re found fit for work then they will expect you to look for work. Most MR decisions remain the same. For Tribunal it could be a several month wait.

Try not to think of that right now, though I know it’s hard. 

paries1

So they expect you to look for work whilst you’re waiting for Tribunal ? 

poppy123456

If you’re found fit for work then yes. Although what is expected of you will depend on your claimant commitments at the time. 

paries1

Thanks poppy . 

paries1

Hi everyone 
when you receive a message in UC journal do they expect a response straightaway ? Also when they send a UC50 form can how long do they normally give you until you send it back ( can you ask for more time )? If they want a WCA and you have a date can you cancel and change date ? 

Sorry for all the questions I’m just panicking a bit . 

I’m probably gonna have to have a WCA and I don’t think I’ll be able to cope with it all in the next month and would just need as much time as they will allow for it all . 

poppy123456

You can give them contact details for your GP if you want to but you do not have to do that.

Once you're referred for the WCA and receive the form shortly after in the post, they usually give you about 1 month to return it, less if the form took longer for you to receive it. The letter that comes with the form will tell you when it needs to be returned by.

Usually there's no extension to return the form and it must be received no later than the date in the letter. There are some relaxations to this for some claimants. If you have a vulnerable marker on your file DWP can use their discretion if the form isn't returned on time and they will proceed with the assessment without the form. However, if there's no marker then you can be found fit for work for failing to return it.

If an assessment is needed and you're sent an appointment then you can change it once. However, once the form is returned, it doesn't mean you'll be called for the assessment quite quickly, it could be quite a few months.

As you now know that you'll very likely be referred quite soon, i would start to gather your evidence and also start to write/type some notes. There's a form here you can use. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uc50-form-universal-credit-capability-for-work-questionnaire you can fill this form in online and then download it and print it, if you have access to a printer. I wouldn't advise you to send it until you receive the actual form but at least it will give you some extra time.

Please also make sure to look at the descriptors i linked to above. You only need to meet one of those for LCWRA the majority of the time.

paries1

Thanks so much for all your help and advice poppy , I really appreciate it . 

I have always kept all my MH reports and letters so I’ll just photocopy them and send when I get the form . At least I’ll have about 4-6 weeks from now. 

Thanks again 🙏

I thought I had to give my GP details ? I don’t know what to do about that 

poppy123456

No problem. No, you do not have to give any GP details if you don't want to.

paries1

I’m just not sure if it could go against me if I refuse consent . It’s a really strange way they are doing it this time around , they used to ask if they could contact GP after they received the UC50 form. I wonder if they are doing it this time to see if you need a WCA ? If after they spoke to GP ( depending on what GP says ) could DWP decide from that that you are Fit for Work ? Or is it only after the form and WCA ? 

poppy123456

I agree that they don't usually do it this way round but others have also said they've had a message on their journal asking for their GP contact details. There's also been some people that have received the referral letter on their journal after asking for GP details.

It's unlikely they will find you fit for work without referring you for a WCA first.