anxiety and UC

libertycomes

Hi. I think I kind of already know the answer to this post and do'nt think anyone can actually help me, but wanted to post it anyway

So i've been on universal credit for a few months.

I have always had extreme anxiety that's massively effected my life- the phonecalls I receive every 2 weeks from my work coach are enough to make me lose lots of sleep and have me worrying about them non stop etc. I get very anxious on the phone and consider rejecting the call every single time

With that in mind, there's just no way I could get through a job interview, and as such I guess I feel i'm on the wrong benefit and I need to be on one where i'm not required to be looking for work basically!

I have never been to the doctor about my anxiety because, ironically, that also makes me too anxious. I can't bare to make an appointment and stuff and the whole process is very daunting (also pretty sure I have adhd and some other mental issues going on tbh that makes me, essentially, a ****! I have some very embarrassing examples lol)

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice. Is it possible for me to switch over to LCWRA (a term I learnt today)? Can it be done without seeing my Dr? Without having to call my work coach? (i'm confused about how people with anxiety even get teh ball rolling since it surely always involves either speaking to the universal credit people in person or on the phone? I can't be alone in that being a huge trigger for me. I wonder how many others out there avoid getting any kind of help due to how the system is set up)

At this point i'm honestly more likely to just end my claim somehow (not even sure how that would work without getting a job tbh!)


Also, I got a message in my journal saying that appointments are now face to face for my work search and I have one next week. I don't intend to go - It looks like i'll have to end my claim. Can I 'self certify' a sick note for one week though so that I at least get paid for this month and then I can either ask them to cancel my claim, or maybe just wait until they kick me off? (which I assume will happen if I just ignore all contact with them? Sanctions and then kick me off maybe?)

I guess my plan is to hope that I can find the willpower to see my GP and get meds and fit notes from him, but can't see me doing that anytime soon


So in the immediate term, I have this 'in person' appointment coming up very soon that I don't plan to go too due to anxiety. I don't just want to not turn up, mainly out of common courtesy (although I imagine either way my payments will stop or i'll be sanctioned). Should I send them a note in my journal, and how would you word it?

janer1967

Hi there 

You can't just switch to lcwra this is still part of uc but turns off your requirement yo look for work or the appt with your work coach 

But you need to provide fit notes fill in forms and have a work capability assessment a this takes around 6 months to complete 

I suggest you put note in your journal to your work coach if you are not going to attend the meeting 

Unfortunately uc is a benefit that requires you to look for work unless you are found unfit for work 

You can of course stop your claim just notify them in your journal 

Could anyone support you at all communicate with dwp you can have an appointee to deal with all your claim if you lack the capacity to deal with your own finances and such 

I don't know a way round this unfortunately 

lou87

I got awarded the lcwra element about 18 months ago now I had previously been signed off sick from work for just over a year and didn't know i had to hand sick notes into the job centre once i started doing this after 12wks you get sent a uc50 form i think it is to fill in and then wait for an assessment but it does get back dated bar the first 12wks i did get a big chunk in back pay but obviously you need to speak to a dr but once you have a sick note I'm sure it signs your commitments off i know that's how it used to be 3yrs ago.  good luck 

Tracey2710

Hi I dealt with all of my sons uc lcwre got notes from doctors filled in forms and he was awarded it without being interviewed. I know that's not the case for everyone.  But do you have someone that could help you that you trust. Please don't leave yourself in a position where you have no benefits X

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @libertycomes I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing so much anxiety at the moment, and that it's difficult for you to access support due to this. It can make you feel as though you're stuck in a bit of a rut. Have you ever tried talking things through with someone via a different service, such as an email service? Anxiety UK have an email service, which you can access by emailing support@anxietyuk.org.uk. Do you think that might help you to build up to being able to speak to someone over the phone about it? Have you ever tried writing down what you'd want to say? Would having someone you trust sit with you make you feel less anxious speaking on the phone? 

As mentioned above, could getting an advocate help do you think? Mind have some information on advocacy and mental health, as do Disability Rights UK. It might be worth looking into.