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Do I still have to attended work focus group after receiving PIP?

MartynSinclair2

So new to this would love some help if poss. Been diagnosed with advanced COPD (lung Desease) been awarded PIP waiting for decision letter . Can anyone help do I still have to attend Work focus group not even left my home for over a month. Hopefully this is just because not received letter yet. But did receive txt confirming PIPs.

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poppy123456

Your PIP award will have nothing to do with your work focused interviews and you will still need to attend them.
Have you reported your health condition as for your UC claim? Supported by a fit note?

MartynSinclair2

Hi poppy. I don't even no what a fit note is. I am so new to this. All I know is that I have been awarded PIP and waiting for decision letter. I can't walk very far because of my COPD this came on so quick I can't get my head round it. I really don't know what to do. Are we really penalised for being ill.

Sandy_123

Hi @martyn321 welcome to the forum a fit note is off your dr to say you are unable to work. Sorry to read about your lung disease. I suffer with lungs too and a few others on here. Have you support at home

bg844

@martyn321 The backpayment should come before the letter. As for the Universal Credit you should report a change of circumstances on your account under the health category, before you do this though please ask your GP for a fit note. After 4 weeks you will be sent a UC50 form in the post to fill out and return with supporting evidence, continue getting fit notes from your GP until the decision is made on your capability to work. You may get extra money but this is the only way to turn your work commitments off although whilst waiting to be assessed this really is down to the discretion of your work coach who should make reasonable adjustments for you.

MartynSinclair2

Hi.. Thank you for your advice I will make appointment with doctor. . Can the doctor refuse a fit note.. although the doctors report with my PIPs application was excellent.. to be honest I would love a little part time job to keep my mind occupied.

MartynSinclair2

I live alone and have no support

So muddled sometimes I just don't know where to turn .

bg844

Yes a doctor can refuse although extremely unlikely if you have severe health conditions. If awarded LCW/LCWRA after the decision is made you will have a work allowance of £344 if you claim help with your rent or £573 if you do not, his means you can earn up to this amount without any deductions and any further earnings would be deducted 55p per £1 which is great.

As you get PIP there isn’t a maximum number of hours you can work to be referred for an assessment although you need to be careful not to earn too much in 6 months for your claim to close.

poppy123456

martyn321 said:

Hi poppy. I don't even no what a fit note is.

It used to be known as a sick note.

MartynSinclair2

Thanks for that..

MartynSinclair2

Sorry but what is . LCW & LCWRA..

bg844

LCW means that you’re not fit for work right now but are expected to be in the future, you have work preparation appointments whilst in this group which may involve writing a CV or some work coaches may still turn your commitments off altogether.

LCWRA means you aren’t fit for work now and will not be in the near future, you won’t have a work coach as no appointments are needed and you also can’t get sanctioned. This group comes with an extra £354.28 a month on top of your UC.

bg844

This link can help:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition#limited-capability-for-work

poppy123456

It will help to have a read through this link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

MartynSinclair2

I just don't know which way to turn. This evil illness just happened so quick. I have only been unemployed for 3 weeks before and that was in the 80s . I had a coughing episode at work and was fired for not disclosing my illness on my application (I didn't even know I was ill at the time) I haven't left home for about a month now cos I went to the local shop and had an episode in the street I thought 3 people were coming over to help me but they gave me a few digs and robbed me of my month's rent I was going to pay at the local paypoint. Now I'm staying at home and you mind does overtime and sends me on a right downer. Thank you all for your help so much... I am going to make a appointment with my doctor on Monday but not holding any hope up cos he's not a very sympathetic doctor.. Once again Thanks Peep's for everything

MartynSinclair2

Got fit note for 14 days put me on antibiotics & Steroids. Said I have infection and waiting for it to clear up

poppy123456

You need to make sure you continue to send fit notes until a decision is made on the WCA. If you're found to have LCWRA then gaps in your fit notes can affect when the extra money is paid from.

MartynSinclair2

Thanks for that.. Do I do this fit note is through the journal

MartynSinclair2

Thank You All.. For your help and advice. I have submitted my fit for work certificate and I have got a txt from PIPs and they have I have been awarded PIP and will hear from them in the next 2 weeks. . Once Again Thank You All So Much 👍

poppy123456

You will have a reminder on your journal that your fit note is about to run out and then you will need to get another and report that the same way.

Good news on the PIP award.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @MartynSinclair2 and congratulations on being awarded PIP, that's great news

It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate with your COPD, and managing how that's making you feel. And it's awful to hear you were robbed, I'm so sorry that happened. Have you been able to get any support from the police or your GP afterwards?

I hope your doctors appointment goes alright today, I'll be sending you an email from community@scope.org.uk to see if we can help you further, so look out for it later on.

Please don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it, the community are here to support you.

Alex