People Plus

user31

Hi

I was wondering if anyone had any advice I suffer with my mental health and I look after my partner who has health problems and my child who is 3 I am waiting to be assessed for limited capability for work and work related activity but they want me to start taking courses which is going to be really difficult for me as I struggle interacting at the moment and also I have no one to look after my partner l and child unfortunately he is unable to look after him on his own don't know what do to if anyone has any advice i would appreciate it thanks

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

If your partner claims PIP then you can claim the Carers Element within UC which turns off your work requirements.

If your partner doesn't claim PIP and you haven't been put into the LCWRA group yet then you are classed as a job seeker as default.

You can explain your situation to the Work Coach and ask them to switch off work requirements for now. Just be aware they are not under any legal obligation to do that.

user31

I understand that but my question is who looks after my son and partner while I'm at these courses that I'm being told to go on I understand that that's what there being told to do but at the same time there my priority can you do the courses from home ?

Albus_Scope

Hey @user31 have you explained this to the DWP? The courses are in person unfortunately, but if you cannot find child care, it's worth explaining this to them.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1066856#Comment_1066856

I know this will sound harsh but you chose to claim UC. Attending the courses is part of the commitments that you accepted when you claimed it because you can't prove health limitations or caring responsibilities at the moment. UC have no obligation to provide care for you to attend courses. All you can do for now is ask the Work Coach to turn off your work commitments until you either get awarded LCWRA or your partner claims a qualifying benefit so you can claim the Carers Element. The courses cannot be done from home as far as I'm aware.

user31

It's okay I get what your trying to say but I don't choose to claim it out of choice it's my situation I can't help that suffering with my mental health isn't a option it's something that has happened that has taken over my life it's not any means fun for anyone who does suffer with these my heart goes out to them because it's alful thanks for the advice

user31

You can do th online I just found out

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1066954#Comment_1066954

Everyone on UC chooses to claim it, myself included. The other option is not being able to afford rent or food, but that is still a choice.

I am pleased to hear you can choose to do the courses online now.