UC50 form, descriptors, how to answer, PIP and types of evidence.

Commanded2bwell

I've just received the UC50 form. Before I fill it in, I've got a few questions (in bold) which are inspired by my previous experience applying for PIP.

I claim PIP based on autism and am currently waiting for a psychiatric assessment for anxiety and depression disorders. It is also possible I will be a part time university student from next January, so have applied for Disabled Students Allowance (the relevance of this will become apparent). UC are aware of my education plans but are happy that I am not, as of now, a student and so have processed my application. Also, as I understand it, if I get LCWRA and because I already get PIP, I should have no problem being a student in receipt of UC when the time comes.

Regarding the UC50 form, my first thought was that, compared to the PIP form, at least UC50 contains specific questions about mental health conditions. My second thought was that the questions are no less difficult to know how to answer than on the PIP form! I ended up going to mandatory reconsideration for PIP, probably because I didn't properly understand how the descriptors applied to me.

With that in mind, is a website like the Benefits and Work site worth the cost of subscription?

I don't have a lot of documentary evidence, so am wondering what else to include. The DSA people have accepted my original autism diagnosis report, but have also sent a medical form for my GP to fill in about how my anxiety and depression affect me. (This is because I don't have the report from the psychiatrist, yet, and because the DSA people will not accept a fit note as evidence).

Should I include this medical form with my UC50 as extra evidence, even though it's intended for the DSA?

The boxes on the UC50 are very small, and I haven't yet seen anything in the instructions that allows you to add extra paper at the end. The PIP form allowed you to expand on your answers with extra pages, so I typed my answers, attached them as numbered print-outs, and simply put the relevant page number on the form, itself. (In hindsight, I wonder if this was part of why I ended up at mandatory reconsideration).

Is it better to fill in the electronic version of the UC50 so that I can type my answers, and use a small but clear font, and then print it out and post it? Can I, or should I, attach extra pages?

Because I typed my answers for PIP, I still have a copy of everything I said at the time. But things have changed in the two or three years since I did that. Some of my answers on the UC50 will be different for the same question: sometimes my condition will have worsened, or I will be able to answer more accurately based on my greater knowledge about autism, compared to back then.

Do they compare the answers on these forms and if they notice differences, will this be a problem?

Thank you

chiarieds

Hi @Commanded2bwell

is a website like the Benefits and Work site worth the cost of subscription?

Some will say so, others, & I'm one, feel that nobody should have to pay when there's info freely available on the internet

Should I include this medical form with my UC50 as extra evidence, even though it's intended for the DSA?

Yes, if you feel it's relevant. Remember your own anecdotal evidence is the most important; try giving a couple of detailed examples for any question that applies

Is it better to fill in the electronic version of the UC50 so that I can type my answers, and use a small but clear font, and then print it out and post it? Can I, or should I, attach extra pages?

It's always a good idea to choose a small font (but not too small!) then print, but I can see no reason not to add extra pages either, so long as it's clear which question it relates to/is continued from. Put your name & NI number on each of such pps.

Do they compare the answers on these forms and if they notice differences, will this be a problem?

No. As UC & PIP are completely separate benefits, then anything you've written on your PIP claim form won't be seen for UC. Different assessing bodies too

Jimm_Alumni

I didn't even know that there was a service where you had to pay to get that help. It just feels... a touch like using people who are in need? 

I know it's a stressful and anxiety-inducing process. But have you tried the free options of help before going for a paid service?

If you would like help with the process have you tried contacting  your local Citizen's Advice for example?