Reducing working hours when on UC

Minnie18

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to ask a quick question. If I need to reduce my working hours from 30 to 20 due to health issues, would I need to go down the WCA route or is it something my work coach could agree to?

I have just moved over to UC from WTC and also get standard PIP for daily living and mobility. I am 60 years old and have been working 30 hrs/week as a self employed tutor but am finding it is getting more difficult as time goes on and think maybe I need to reduce my hours a bit. However, I cannot face going through another assessment process after going through PIP as it was very stressful to say the least. 

Has anyone had experience with this? 
Thank you 

michael57

hi my she who must be obeyed the lovely dawnie has only been working 16hrs a week since my 2 strokes 18 months ago with no problems from uc at all 

AtlasShoulders

As long as you are working more than the Administrative Earning Threshold (AET) (currently 15 hours at National Minimum Wage) then you will be in the "Light Touch" category of UC which means you should be left alone. However, there are some changes in the pipeline which could mean that "Light Touch" claimants have to have more interactions with work coaches to try and increase hours/wages. But that seems to be a way off for now so nothing to worry about.

bg844

You really should consider getting a fit note from your GP to start the Work Capability Assessment process if you aren't able to work full-time or at all due to your conditions. I know you have had a bad experience with the PIP assessment, but these are two separate benefits and the majority of people have no problems. If awarded LCWRA, it would come with an extra payment of £390.06 a month (reducing any TP if this is over that amount), and would mean you wouldn't have any commitments to work (although you can still do this) or have a Work Coach. It would also give you a work allowance too (an amount you can earn before your UC would be reduced).

I thought it would be worth mentioning this and please remember, if you struggle with anything there's always help on here for you or organisations we can pass on to you.

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @Minnie18, sorry to hear you aren't feeling well enough to continue working as much. I know how stressful the PIP process can be, it's understandable to not want to endure something like that again. The WCA assessment is slightly different though just to inform you.

I would recommend using a Benefits Calculator to work out what you're going to be entitled to on your new work hours. It's possible you're entitled to quite a bit more than you expect, even if it does mean another assessment. You can then follow up by asking a benefits adviser for help on your situation at your local Citizen's Advice. 

Minnie18

Thank you all for your advice - definitely food for thought and very helpful.