Fit note

Oldboy1957

Hi I've just had a phone call from my local job center  they have been ask to contact me regarding  payment of universal credit they wanted to know why my wife only ernd a small amout  last month I explained that my wife is on a zero hours contract if the work is is available then she will work any way they  have now asked for  a  fit note for my self has I'm in receipt of high rate pip and have been for nearly 3 years I now have to take a fit note to the job centre please is this correct  thanks 

poppy123456

Hi,

If you're not working then yes this is correct, unless you're claiming the carers element for look after someone.  Otherwise you maybe sanctioned in the future because you will still need to look for work. Your PIP awarded doesn't automatically entitle you to limited capability for work.

Once you send in the fit note you'll be referred for a work capability assessment. See link. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Universal_Credit_Work_Capability_Assessment

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Oldboy1957 and welcome to the community. 
Does your wife receive the carer element of Universal Credit? She can be entitled to this even if she works, as long as no one else is claiming Carer's Allowance or Carer Element for you. It would mean that when her hours fluctuate, it won't cause any problems.

Can I double check, do you currently get ESA or have you had a work capability assessment on Universal Credit? 

Oldboy1957

Hi  thank you for your input much appreciated just a couple of points I should have mentioned I'm 62 diagnosed with asbestos I have  impaired lung fuction and restricted perecardiaum I'm lucky some days if I can walk 30 metres without getting breathless I've had a return to work assessment and was asked what I was doing here do this make a difference ps my wife  is 63 and works to supplement our income. 

poppy123456

Unfortunately, that still doesn't automatically entitle you to limited capability for work and a face to face assessment is most likely.

Please answer Adrian's question, does your wife receive the carers element in your UC monthly payment?

Oldboy1957

Hi Sorry Adrian yes we receive the carers allowances in universal credit 

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Oldboy1957, that's alright. I just want to ensure I'm giving you the best possible advice for your situation.

If your wife is definitely receiving the Carer Element of UC (it will be on your statement as Carer: £160.20) then they shouldn't be questioning when her wages or hours change as she doesn't have any work commitments.
However, as you haven't had a work capability assessment on UC, if your wife's income drops below a certain amount in an assessment period, they can ask you to start looking for work. 

The best thing you can do is to start the WCA process. To do this, you need to hand a fit note in (and ensure your health condition is reported on your UC account). After 29 days of having a fit note, they should send you out a UC50 form and eventually assess your capability for work. 

I hope this helps you understand why they've asked you to hand in a fit note but if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.