Move from TC to UC (while on PIP)

THAAWT

Hi,

I received the leaflet informing us about the move to UC letter that will be received soon. 
A bit of back story..
OH has been on PIP and not working for the last 10 years (approx.) for mental health reasons and I'm his carer.

I've been looking up about UC and what forms etc need filling out and didn't realise there was going to be another assessment needed (huge trigger/stress for my OH), but realise now that UC is nothing to do with PIP.

My concern is, after seeing a psychiatrist, counsellors etc years ago who diagnosed my OH as clinically depressed, other than the odd appointment with his GP and obviously getting medication on prescription, what other evidence will be needed? or is his prescription and diagnosis from years ago enough?
(I think they all realised, after trying everything, he just can't be 'fixed' due to past trauma).

Also I've seen something about fit notes needed, when is this the case?

Thank you in advance for any thoughts or advice.

poppy123456

Many thousands of leaflets have been delivered. You could receive the letter to claim UC anytime from now up until end of 2024 but more and more people claiming Tax credits have already received their letters.

PIP has nothing to do with UC and will continue to be paid separately. Once you receive the letter you will have 3 months to claim UC. If you don't claim within this time then your Tax credits will stop.

When you claim you will both need to start the claim and one of you will receive a linking code to join both claims together. Your partner will need to made sure they report their health condition and provide a fit note within 7 days of this. They must continue to send fit notes without any gaps until a decision is made on their work capability assessment. The only potential issue here is that they will be classed as a job seeker until a decision is made on the work capability assessment. It's a work coaches discretion to either turn off or reduce commiments, some do and others don't. They can also ask for phone appointments as a reasonable adjustment. (if needed)

If your partners PIP includes the daily living part then you'll need to make sure you report being their carer when you claim and then your UC will include the carers element. As a carer you will have no work requirements.

When you claim UC there will be Transitional Protection in place to make sure you won't be any worse off when you migrate accross. However, this will erode over time so if other elements increase or you become entitled to other elements then the TP will decrease. Eventually it will erode completely.

It's a lot to think about so when you do receive the letter if you have any questions then please do post back and i'm sure someone will advise you further.

THAAWT

Thank you Poppy, that is really helpful.

I have explained to my partner about this and he is extremely anxious (he has not been anywhere indoors other than our home for the last 3 and a half years, Covid has been another huge trigger to his anxiety) so i hope they will make a reasonable adjustment to telephone calls rather than attend in person as he wouldn't cope.
When you say some job coaches will turn off or reduce commitments while waiting for a WCA - he hasn't been able to work for the last 10 years due to his mental health.  We have letters from physiatrists, councillors, but they are from a few years ago now.  Will that be enough evidence? 

Thank you again for your advice.

poppy123456

I can't tell you if that evidence will be enough because i don't know anything about his health condition or what that evidence contains. I'd advise you to send anything you think is relevant.