Hi, I am currently trying to claim Universal Credit. I tried for a while before the pandemic to get a fit note so I could apply for old-style ESA, as I got my injuries when I was 14 (now 19), and so have not paid into National Insurance before, due to struggling to find employment despite my efforts, most likely down to my age and disability. When I saw GP's to receive this fit note, I was turned away without either because I needed to go and research what it is that I needed (I stated I needed a fit note for ESA and they either had no idea what it was, or suggested I just try working. After this I didn't really know how else to ask for one and felt very discouraged from trying again.) Then, old-style ESA was merged into Universal Credit, so I applied. During the pandemic apparently no fit note was needed now.
I applied, and was then contacted to be told I would have a phone consultation. This was then booked, and then cancelled same day. I was told I would receive another appointment about two weeks ago but have heard nothing back.
I checked my UC, as I was due to receive my decision yesterday despite having no appointment yet. It shows that I can receive the standard rate, but it looks like my PIP is used as a deduction. My PIP is a bigger amount than what UC is currently willing to offer me, therefore I am eligible for £0. I have a job but I am only offered about 5 hours per week, on minimum wage. I have been in this job for nearly 3 years, and have been job hunting for over a year now because I want a better job with more hours. I have struggled to find a job I can do properly due to my chronic pain and the fact I use crutches constantly to walk. From a health and safety perspective there's a lot of jobs I couldn't do. No heavy lifting or carrying or large amounts of walking etc, which leaves me pretty restricted.
I am also going to university in September, and am worried about income. My apartment had to be accessible to it is much more expensive than a normal room, my maintenance loan does not cover those costs. My DSA concluded I may be able to receive the difference between my accessible room and a normal room of the same building, but there are very strict conditions that have to be met, so I may not be able to receive this because I pay a slightly larger amount for 10 months instead of spread out over 12. I am extremely worried about being able to meet these costs and still afford disability related things like medication, private doctor appointments, equipment like crutches (they don't last forever unfortunately) as well as food and university equipment (I'm doing a music course that recommends putting aside about £500 for personal equipment.)
I am wondering if anyone has any advice on how I could proceed? I could attempt to get a fit note although on my UC page it says I don't have to. But I am also worried that I'll keep getting turned away from trying to get one. I also don't know how to proceed with the fact that, right now at least, I will get no support from UC. I have looked for grants but cannot find very many that I am eligible for. I am also worried about what happens if I fail to find employment when I move, but I have really tried to find a proper job during this year and it's been hard to get any responses or interviews. I've never applied before, this is my first time on the system, I've only ever dealt with the DWP. I have left a note on my account asking about appointment times but I don't know if the phone appointment would make a difference. If anyone has any advice on how to handle this situation and what I could try, it would be very welcome
