Impossible Question on UC "To-Do"

First month being migrated from ESA to UC.
This is my first month. The questions are ridiculous - The move has been so stressful.
BUT this one takes the biscuit!
Today (5 weeks after applying) I have had
"Confirm previous earnings from work""
When the entry is clicked on, the first question asked is -
"In the 12 months before you claimed Universal Credit, were there any gaps in your employment? [This doesn't include paid holidays, maternity or paternity leave.]"
The only option to answer is yes or no, but if I answer either way I will be inferring that I had been working during the twelve months before my claim, which I wasn't
I asked in the journal have they meant to ask me this as I am disabled & was on ESA (Ive had a work assessment by video last week) so said, please speak to that person).
The "Belfast Service Centre" said send to click "NO" to this question -
Thanks for the update, if you have not worked in the previous 12 months prior to claiming Universal Credit, Please answer 'No' to the question 'In the 12 months before you claimed Universal Credit, were there any gaps in your employment?' in the Confirm previous earnings from work to-do in your to-do list.
I immediately questioned this
Im so confused. If I answer "No" to were there any gaps in employment - surely that would mean I was employed???? ie Yes - I was employed with no gaps??? This shouldnt even be a question surely?
The service centre then replied
Thanks for the update, if you have not worked in the previous 12 months prior to claiming Universal Credit Please answer 'Yes' to the question 'In the 12 months before you claimed Universal Credit, were there any gaps in your employment?' in the Confirm previous earnings from work to-do in your to-do list. I incorrectly stated 'no' in the previous Journal entry, apologies in advance.
Good job I hadnt done it then!
I then filled in the question as advised above & sent this
Ive done as you said - It all still feels wrong. I haven't worked due to disability - its that simple :(
Then got this message back - No explanation, no support no reasons why such a stupid question would even be asked.
Thanks for the update, If you have not worked since July 2024. Then you have answered Yes correctly to the question 'In the 12 months before you claimed Universal Credit, were there any gaps in your employment?' in the Confirm previous earnings from work to-do in your to-do list.
This process is RIDICULOUS!
It must cost so much money on wasted admin!
I still dont know what I am getting or indeed if I am getting anything.
Ive not had anything since 5th June.
I truly believe the Gov want people stressed, hungry & in debt !!
Comments
-
That sounds so confusing @Womble66, I don't blame you for being stressed out, it's not an easy process at all.
I hope you hear back about your claim soon and it all gets sorted without too much more stress.
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