I've been put on anti-depressants. Do I need to make UC aware? Do I need a fit note from doctor?

FisaXx
FisaXx Community member Posts: 5 Listener
edited February 2022 in Universal Credit (UC)
Hi I’m currently on UC and been diagnosed with Rh and it has affected my mental a lot in the last few months and I spoke to my doctor today who has put me on anti depression I’m new to UC and just wondering if it’s something I need to tell them / make them aware of ? And would I them need a fit note from the Doctors Thanks 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,096 Championing
    If your health condition limits your capability to work then you will need to "report a change of circumstances" to report the health condition and then you will need to send a fit note within 7 days. This will then prompt a referral for a work capability assessment, providing you're not working and earning more than 16 x NMW per week (unless you current have either a PIP or DLA award)

  • FisaXx
    FisaXx Community member Posts: 5 Listener
    @poppy123456 thanks no I don’t work I lost my job due to my mental health at the start of covid and had a baby last year and now I’ve got RA and my mental health has taken a massive decline so just looking for some advice and help as I’ve always worked and the benefit system is all new to me thanks 
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,443 Championing
    Hi @FisaXx ;) I can see that poppy123456 has given you an explanation on what your next steps should be if you're after a work capability assessment. Did you have any further questions about this?

    I'm sorry to hear that your mental health has worsened, but it's good to hear that you managed to speak to your GP and that you've started a course of anti-depressants. How do you feel about taking them?
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    If your health affects your ability to work then you can report this to UC. You would need a Fit Note to support this. You will then be referred for a Work Capability Assessment, the outcome of which could increase your UC entitlement.
  • Libby_Alumni
    Libby_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,247 Empowering
    Hello @FisaXx, 

    I'm sorry to hear about your current situation and your mental health worsening. I just wanted to make sure that you currently feel supported with this? Whether this be through family/friends or via your GP? I've also listed a few resources below that I think could be helpful for you moving forward: 
    I hope @poppy123456 has been able to help you with your query too and if you have any further questions, then please let us know.

    Libby

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