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Universal Credit and unpaid leave

FloridaDino

a theoretical question.

I am currently on sick leave from work due to a series of health issues (both permanent and temporary) and have gone down to half pay. I know that UC will pay the difference, or most of, in what I lose on a short term basis.

If I took 3 months unpaid leave, to allow myself time to ‘get better’, or at least well enough to work, would UC pay the full award I would be due? At present obviously they deduct several hundred pounds for wages etc, but if employed yet earning nothing in July would they pay the full award with no deductions?

I’m not sure if it is a better solution than extended sick leave, just curious if possible.

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Comments

poppy123456

If there's no earnings then you'll be entitled to your maximum UC entitlement. The only issue I see is that if you haven't been through the work capability assessment and you don't have Limited capability for work, zero earnings would mean your commitments may change so maybe expected to attend appointments and even look for work.

Have you reported your health condition and provided a fit note?

FloridaDino

when I applied for UC I mentioned my disabilities, so they are aware, and I have had a series of fit notes but have been sending them to my employer not to UC. I obviously keep copies if needed though.

How would being made to look for work be possible if you have a job already, but have just had to step back from it temporarily?

poppy123456

Being employed is completely different to actually working and earning. If your earnings are less than the AET per month then you will need to look for work.

poppy123456

Is there any reason why you haven't provided fit notes for UC? I see from previous threads that you're claiming PIP so you can be referred for a work capability assessment, regardless of earnings.

FloridaDino

I must admit, I wasn’t aware I had to supply the fit notes to UC. I’ve not been off sick for a single continuous block, I had two operations over several months that required recovery time, (they pre-dated my UC claim) and I’m off now with a temporary condition that’s also aggravated my pre-existing ones. I’ve only just gone down to half pay sick leave the last week.

With regards to the unpaid leave and looking for work, what would happen if someone on maternity leave wanted to take an extra 3 months off unpaid, as is allowed? Surely UC would not expect them to seek work? What would make someone who wants time off, for practical reasons, any different?
I get the minimum income thing, but if it’s only temporary, consideration of individual circumstance would make more sense.

poppy123456

Someone on maternity leave would not have any work commitments anyway because the child would be under 1. This is completely different to yourself. I can only advise you of the rules.

FloridaDino

I do appreciate the help, thank you. It’s the system and rules I scratch my head at.