Hi, my name is i4nt! UC problems, can anyone help?

i4nt

I'm having massive problems with UC and don't know what to do

Kimi87

What problems are you having?

i4nt

I'm disabled, I have, COPD, Asthma, eczema, osteoarthritis in both knees, hips, lower spine, elbows and both hands, I have essential tremor in both hands, liver problems, high blood pressure, and also suffering from anxiety and depression. I get highest rate pip in both categories, but I've been waiting 3 months for UC to sort out a payment, I've had to send in a "fit note" 3 months ago, I get no where with my UC journal, no 1 ever respondes and now I've had a message saying I have to attend an interview tomorrow because my circumstances have change? But they haven't and I won't be able to attend this appointment because it's too short notice I've tried contacting via my journal but I never get any replies, my anxiety levels are through the roof and I'm at my wits end and don't know what to do!! Could someone please help me? TIA

Kimi87

Unfortunately PIP has no bearing on the UC Work Capability Assessment.

I'm guessing this process has started for you?

What happens is you report a health condition and send in a Fit Note, then on day 29 your work coach refers you for a WCA.

You receive a UC50 form in the post and return it to the assessment provider, then wait for an appointment for an assessment (most people have full assessments).

If found to have LCWRA you may be entitled to extra money- paid after a waiting period of three full assessment periods starting from the first Fit Note, assuming those have been provided with no gaps or backdated ones.

Whereabouts are you with that process?

If you haven't already, add a Journal message under "work coach" and ask for a phone appointment instead as a reasonable adjustment.

i4nt

Thank you for your help, I will do that straight away.

Thank you again

i4nt

I handed in my fit note on the 11th November and it was for 3 months, not heard a jot since apart from a booked telephone appointment on the 11th Feb and then they cancelled the appointment with no reason given.

It's been a complete nightmare since we were "invited" to change over from Working Tax on the 24th Oct 2024, my wife is disabled and works part-time for the NHS, we have a disabled 14 year old daughter, along with my disabilities. Or first payment of uc we were overpaid in November, then because my wife got paid 2 day early because of Christmas we were underpaid by £600, now my wife has been told they are taking £150 per month from us because of the over payment! I'm so confused with it all, luckily we did have some savings for emergencies but since being on UC our savings have now all gone, and marriage is being put under massive pressure, all our health is suffering, as well as working part time my wife is our daughters and also my carer so she is unable to work more hours, she hardly eats, and she's only getting a couple of hours sleep.

I really don't know what to do, i feel as though I'm burdening her and our daughter and think she would be able to cope better with me out of the way! Before becoming unwell I had a good job being a kitchen and bathroom fitter from leaving school in 1992 up until 2013 and my wife was a teacher

Kimi87

Before I advise further, just to confirm prior to UC migration you were not receiving ESA?

i4nt

No i never claimed esa because I was told that we had to much money( wifes wage and savings of £15k) ive only ever had since 2013 dla highest both and now pip highest both

Kimi87

Thank you for clarifying.

I would add another a Journal message for your work coach, asking why your WCA wasn't actioned on day 29 following your Fit Note, ask that they issue the UC50 and refer you to the assessment provider for the assessment.

You could also consider a formal complaint about the delay

https://makeacomplaint.dwp.gov.uk/

In the meantime keep supplying Fit Notes without any gaps, backdated ones etc.

i4nt

Thank you kimmy, really appreciate your help and advice.

I will let you know how we get on

Best wishes Ian

i4nt

Wife just checked and she sent off uc50 on 5th December 2024

Kimi87

Okay so now all you can do with that is wait to hear from the assessment provider I'm afraid. Most people have full assessments either in person or over the phone.

If you awarded LCWRA it's worth £416.19 after the waiting period where no money is paid or owed (three full assessment periods).

If you have Transitional Protection on your claim it will reduce by that amount, so you might not see the full increase in your award.