I had a capability work assessment, what's the usual waiting time?

chrissie85

H I am wondering if anyone can help us. I had to come out of work in July to look after my partner and my sons, Because I was working my partner was getting support ESA. U.C was new to our area so when I came out of work I had to apply. We rang ESA and they said that because I am not working we are now entitled to income related ESA but because we have moved over to U.C. we cannot claim income related ESA. So it is deducted from our claim. We rang both U.C. and ESA but have not been able to get anywhere. 
The advice given was to drop our esa claim which means doing without the esa or going through the whole process again. 
I had an capability to work assessment I was also wondering what the usual waiting time is. 
I am very grateful for any help or advice given to us as this whole process is so confusing. 

poppy123456

Hi,

I'm a little confused by your post, sorry.

A work capability assessment is for those with a limited capability for work because of a disability/illness. As you say you had to stop work because you're looking after your son and your partner then based on what you said above then you may not qualify for this. Does your partner or son claim a disability benefit like PIP or DLA?

As you were previously working then i'm assuming your partner was receiving contributions based ESA? am i correct?

Have you applied for UC as a couple yet?

chrissie85

Sorry, this part confused me myself.  because I have ongoing health issues myself. My doctor gave me a sickline then They put me through the work capability assessment. 
My partner receives PIP and contributions based ESA. 
We applied for U.C. in September. I had my assessment for capability to work in November. 

poppy123456

As you've already had your face to face assessment you can request a copy of the assessment report to be sent to you. This will give you some idea what the decision is likely yo be as they mostly go with the recommendations in the report.

Waiting times for decisions depend on backlog in your area.

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @chrissie85, and a warm welcome to the community! I hope the above guidance is helpful, and please do feel free to come back to us with any further questions.