Work Capability Assessment Interview

kan

I suffered a massive heart attack leading to organ failure and was in hospital for months. Unfortunately my heart is badly damaged. 

I have been on UC since I left and now have an assessment. 

I also suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen and I am still waiting to see the specialist. I am having ongoing treatment with a nurse for my memory and still under the care of the cardiologist, nephrologist.

What should I do to prepare? I will be attending with my partner who looks after me.

I was awarded pip without an interview. Shall I mention that or bring the pip award? Does it mean that because I am going for an assessment that they think I am capable to work? 

poppy123456

Most people have assessments, paper based are rare. Just because you are attending an assessment doesn’t mean they think you are capable of work.
Before the assessment if you kept a copy of the form you should have a read if that to remind yourself of what you said. 

They will ask you questions about your conditions and how they affect you based on a typical day.
You will be expected to answer the questions for yourself, unless your partner is your appointee.
PIP is a completely different benefit, with different criteria. You can take your PIP award if you think it will help.
Have you seen the descriptors for LCWRA? If not, you can see them here https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

kan

I am still waiting on the results of a heart scan. Shall I bring any new more notes and evidence? 

kan

So what happens if you are rejected for lcwra and still have a sick note? Can you still provide a sick note if you don't get lcwra? 

poppy123456

If you are found to have LCW or fit for work then no more fit notes will be needed. 

If you’re not happy the decision you can challenge it and request the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)
You can take any additional evidence with you. Make sure you take copies only and put your name and NI number on the top of everything.

kan

Is the appointment recorded? If so can I get a copy afterwards?

poppy123456

It is not automatically recorded. You can request this but it could delay your assessment because they will also need to get permission from the assessor that is doing the assessment. Some assessors refuse to be recorded.

kan

Is it a good thing to ask for it to be recorded or am I being paranoid? 

poppy123456

I've never requested any recording and always prefer to just concentrate on answering the questions with as much detail as possible. If the worst happens and you need to challenge the decision the recording can't used for MR or Tribunal anyway, unless you have it transcribed.

kan

Am I being paranoid? I was told by a friend that if you are able to turn upto the interview even with a family member it means you can get to work?

I attend all my appointments with my wife, I don't travel outside without her.

bg844

You’re overthinking this. Going to an assessment centre isn’t classed as ‘being able to work’.