Ir ESA to uc

snuggles65

Hi, I'm so sorry for this question again. Please don't judge lol. Well the treaded transfer to UC will be done tomorrow with the help of my son. My hubby is on irESA support group and also made up of contribution ESA. He also gets enhanced pip. I get pip standard living and enhanced mobility and also carers allowance for looking after my hubby.

My dilemma is should I put my health conditions down on the form. I don't want to go through the wca and don't want to supply fit notes. I know my hubby will get lcwra and I can get the carer element which is the full entitlement. Many people say I don't need to, but my head is just in panic mode and I keep having panic attacks. Scope helpline, fightback and B&W said I don't need to but UC helpline and CAB said I do but don't need to supply fit notes. But I know if I do put my health conditions down knowing my luck they will request fit notes. Please advise tyia xx

Kimi87

I wouldn't put your health conditions down as it will only complicate matters.

The only way to guarantee them not requesting Fit Notes is to not declare your health conditions.

Have you had any support from your GP with the panic attacks?

snuggles65

Hi kimmy87 a friendly face again. Are you free tomorrow lol. But no on a serious note thank again for answering my threads.

snuggles65

Hi kimmy87

Just a thought if they see I'm on pip will they want to know why I haven't put my health conditions down?

snuggles65

Hi kimmy87

Imade an appointment to see the GP next week Ty for asking.

WhatThe

Hi snuggle, good luck with the move to UC tomorrow with your son's help 🤞

There will be members and Scope team on duty tomorrow to advise if you get stuck on something.

chiarieds

Hi @snuggles65 - it will all go through OK, so please don't worry. Kimi has given you excellent advice if you don't want to declare your health condition, & you certainly don't have to.

The UC/job centre people are just trying to answer queries, but with often little benefits knowledge, & it has been known for Citizen's Advice to be incorrect too as both poppy & I have unfortunately seen too often. All that's needed, as you've already worked out, is to say that you are caring for your husband, & then you'll have no commitments.

The trouble with asking in lots of different places is that you'll often get conflicting answers. I think you can trust here with the likes of Kimi, poppy & OverlyAnxious to mention a few good people, who have all said similar this year.

On a different note, I'm a long retired physio & also suffered panic attacks for a while a few years ago. Fortuately I remembered to put into practice what I used to teach, & that was to concentrate upon how I breathed when they happened. Perhaps try the following when you feel OK, & then you'll get the hang of it when you need it: https://www.cheshire-epaige.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Diaphragmatic-breathing-techniques.pdf

Hope your GP also helps, but give this a try in the meanwhile.