Jury service

MadCow1

Hi everyone,

I have just received a letter saying that I have been selected for Jury service, which could possibly last up to 10 days. Do I need to inform Universal Credit?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Jimm_Scope

You should inform your work coach, you shouldn't be expected to look for work while you are on Jury Duty.

Jury service: What you can claim if you're not working - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you get benefits or financial support

Show your jury summons to your benefit office or work coach as soon as you get it.

You’ll continue to get financial support and benefits (such as Universal Credit) for the first 8 weeks. After that, the court will give you a loss of earnings form to give to your benefit office or work coach.

MadCow1

I forgot to say that I am on LCWRA,so don't have a work coach. 

I have OA,so would I qualify for an exemption from jury service?

chiarieds

I'd suggest putting a copy of your summons on your journal 'just in case.'

I'm not sure you would be excused, but there's some info here:

https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/delaying-or-being-excused-from-jury-service    which says,

''To ask to be excused, reply to your jury summons explaining your reasons in detail. You might need to give proof, for example, if you’re ill you might be asked for a letter from your doctor.''

MadCow1

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I just hope that I don't lose my LCWRA status.

Jimm_Scope

I would talk with Citizen's Advice about this situation, they may know more. My concern, as I am sure is yours, is that attending jury duty may be seen as work-capable activity and I just do not know the answer to that myself and I am struggling to find it. I think the assumption is you tell jury duty you are too ill to attend.

MadCow1

Thanks again everyone who replied,I'm getting very confused about where it says benefits are covered for first 8 weeks, I have no work commitments due to my LCWRA status I am getting very anxious in case I end up having to go through that process again as it's only this year I got it sorted.jury service is expected to last 10 days but could be longer.

chiarieds

MadCow1 said:

Thanks again everyone who replied,I'm getting very confused about where it says benefits are covered for first 8 weeks, I have no work commitments due to my LCWRA status I am getting very anxious in case I end up having to go through that process again as it's only this year I got it sorted.jury service is expected to last 10 days but could be longer.

I can't see any problem in your case that would affect your UC claim, nor cause a review. In the link that Jimm gave, if jury service went on for longer than 8 weeks, those who are working would be given a loss of earnings form.

 - are you working?

 - you've been told your jury service will be about 10 days

MadCow1

Thanks @chiarieds, no I am not working. I just got very anxious & stressed as I can't sit / stand for too long, plus my incontinence problem. 
I'm just over thinking that if I have to do Jury service,will it be classed as a contradiction of my LCWRA claim?

chiarieds

I appreciate your concerns & mobility issues, etc. I don't think it would cause a problem with your claim, but, if you have incontinence problems, that may be a way out of doing jury service. You may be asked for a letter from your GP if you feel that's the better option for you.

MadCow1

Thanks @chiarieds & @Jimm_Scope for your advice.
I am going to try to speak with my doctor on Monday & put in an exemption & also ring the number on the jury service letter.

Jimm_Scope

I think I over-worried you @MadCow1, my concern regarding doing jury service affecting your LCWRA appears unfounded. I am still learning the benefits system myself, I'm sorry for any anxiety or stress I caused.

Lou67

@MadCow1
Good morning I hope you’re keeping well.
I was sent for to do Jury Duty last year, I have a few health issues going on so spoke  to my doctor and was given an exemption from having to go. 

I phoned the courts and then emailed a copy of the letter from the doctor. Might be worth looking into.Good luck whatever you decide.

MadCow1

Thanks @Jimm_Scope,no problem. It doesn't take much to set my anxiety off with the DWP.
I'm panicking as I can't find anything either,but I'm going to go on the fact that LCWRA goes on conditions affecting us 50% of the time & this jury service is only supposed to be for 10 days.
At least if my exemption gets turned down, I've got proof of me telling them about my disability,if that all makes sense ?!

MadCow1

Hi @Lou67, thanks so much for your advice, I will be phoning my doctor tomorrow about it.

Jimm_Scope

Showing the courts you receive LCWRA may be enough to show them you can be exempted? 

There is a bureau for answering questions about jury service, I will put their contact details below. You should be able to ask them what evidence would be acceptable for exemption.
Jury Central Summoning Bureau
jurysummoning@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 456 1024

MadCow1

Thanks very much for that information @Jimm_Scope, I will get in touch with them.

Jimm_Scope

@MadCow1 I forgot to mention their operating times, one moment.

Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 9am to 3pm 

MadCow1

Hi @Jimm_Scope,

Thanks very much, it's very much appreciated 👍

MadCow1

Hi ,

I just wanted to let you know of an update on my call up for jury service. I received a letter today to say that I have been been excused.

I queried at my local job centre & because I am LCWRA with no work commitments,I didn't have to inform them.

So I hopes this helps anyone in the future.

chiarieds

Thank you for the update @MadCow1 - I'm pleased you've got a letter confirming you were excused from jury service.