UC and LCWRA

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pumpkinpops1

Hi, just wondering if anyone can help?

I have a physical disability which will be with me for life and due to complications with this condition, I have had to take time off work and reduce my hours, therefore my work being impacted because of my disability. However, my UC case worker has said that as I haven’t been out of work / off work for 3 months, I don’t require a WCA. Thankfully my employer is supportive and let me reduce my hours due to my health, however now I will be on a reduced wage and surely should be entitled to LCWRA as my disability impacts my ability to work.

It just feels as though just because I have my disability and want to work, UC won’t even look into whether my disability affects my employment and essentially would rather me be out of work for 3 months.

It’s frustrating that because of my disability, sometimes I have to call in sick, whether it be for one of my shifts, or a couple weeks - resulting in me financially struggling to afford my rent, bills, etc.

So can anybody help me with this? I have never claimed UC before, however due to my health declining I thought I would get a little support as this is because of my disability - I get PIP and have recently been admitted to hospital. Is there anything I can do for UC to look into how my disability impacts my work?

Thank you for reading and sorry it’s long winded, really don’t know where else to turn for advice / support!

poppy123456

Goodness me, I've never heard of such a rule that you have to be out of work/off work for 3 months before they will refer you for a WCA. I'm sorry you've been given such awful advice.

As you're claiming PIP even if your earnings are more than 16 x National Minimum wage (NMW) you can still be referred for a WCA. If a work coach refuses to refer you then this is simply incorrect.

What you need to do if you haven't already is report a change of circumstances and then click health conditions. Then report them through there. It will then ask if your health conditions affect your ability to work so you answer yes. Then it will ask you to provide a fit note, which you need to do within 7 days.

Then usually from day 29 after providing a fit note you should be referred for the WCA. If this doesn't happen at that stage put a message onto your journal and ask them to refer you. Once they do that you'll receive a letter on your journal telling you they have referred you. A few days later you will receive the UC50 form in the post.

You must continue to provide fit notes without any gaps until a decision is made on your claim. Gaps in fit notes will affect when the extra money is paid from if you're found to have LCWRA.

I hope this helps and if they refuse to refer you please do make a complaint.