2 Failed WCA's and also PIP denied - very concerned about fit to work status

boi7321

Basically, I put it off for way too long until I had a massive burnout. Last Feb, I took the plunge to sort out my undiagnosed ADHD. I expected a fight, but the GP 100% agreed and stated that what I was experiencing was intrusive and would probably need meds. So that's all true a year later down the line.

So the burnout went on and on and slowly destroyed my earnings from my self-employment. Which forced me onto UC, so ever since then, I manage to pay 50% of my wage, and they do the other 50%.

I got meds in roughly November 2025. Most of the year was a complete write-off on fit notes, other than keeping the business ticking over as much as possible.

The local JC centre has been amazing. Health Workcoach is amazing; they really understand my struggles. I have been very slowly managed to put my monthly wage up by 200 or 300 (not a lot but something).

It was recommended I try for PIP/LCW, which I did. 0 points on everything. MR: same result. When things got worse, I did another WCA, and that failed recently. I did not try PIP again. The most I could get from the DWP was that they recognised my conditions and I am fit for some kind of work.

It's worth noting that self-employment is entirely flexible. You can go days off if you can't do anything (I put very, very long deadlines on things I work on), I can work from home in the exact lighting I want and have the curtains shut or go to a quiet coffee shop if in the mood too. I would hope to grow it to the point I can get off UC, but this will take a long time as the marketing would have to increase for expenses etc..

I do not display my symptoms outwardly. It's all internal in my head, in fact, to the point that most people think I'm a very calm/nice guy. On the surface, I think I look very capable. Reality: most of the time, I am a complete loner who needs 100% autonomy in life with bursts of socialising every couple of weeks. I have never been happy in normal jobs and often end up in a burnout cycle. I behave well in public, but there is a side of me that comes out if my autonomy is questioned or there are suddenly loads of requirements put on me; I don't tolerate that well and can become quite defensive/awakward and I have already become quite obsessed with the situation (looking up sanctions, rules, etc.). I really don't want to go down this road, I have worked so hard this year on myself. If I keep things calm it works, if I go down this road I know it's not good for my health.

It's not even about the money for me (I am approx 10k on credit cards, would be nice but I know that's not going to happen!). I just need to go at my own pace, and with the current work coach it's going well. I also do want to work (that works with my brain), just have to go very very slow. with everything However, the WC has said she would have to move me on soon due to the appeals coming back 'fit for work'. I always like to know what's round the corner for some reason and get a lot of anxiety and get obsessed when it's probably something I don't like round the corner.

Kimi87

Have you had any input from a local welfare rights organisation when you filled in the forms etc?

SheffieldMan1976

It pains me to say this as I've struggled with employment beyond the voluntary sector since I was about 19, but in some ways you're better off on benefits and not bothering with work, if you're Neurodivergent or disabled in any other way, they won't wanna know, and don't give me all that bourjois about reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act!

I've been saying for most of the last 16 years that they may as well rip up that particular Act as 16 years later it's still not enforced, and most disabled people who CAN work can't get a job, because as soon as we declare any disability, the AI screening bot rejects us.

SwiftFox

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1140817#Comment_1140817

At no point does the author mention anything that you've put here. The main point is, not everyone is going to kept on benefits, it's their job to either say yes or no and that's the final outcome. I wish you luck in your new adventure.