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

MartynSinclair2

Well what a surprise.. I have the telephone meeting with coach worker . He has put me on immediate application for LCWRA and sending me a UC50. So that seems ok. Then my bank sent me a txt saying a payment received when I looked it was my PIPs back payment. Good day today.. 

Tori_Scope

That sounds positive @MartynSinclair2 How are you doing today?

MartynSinclair2

@Tori_Scope
Hi. The breathing episodes get me down but today's news is one thing less I have to worry about.

MartynSinclair2

Well the work focuse meeting went better than I thought. Got back payment from PIPs but no award letter yet. Got fit note from doctor got phone interview on Wednesday for LCWRA then will take it from there. . 

poppy123456

MartynSinclair2 said:

Well the work focuse meeting went better than I thought. Got back payment from PIPs but no award letter yet. Got fit note from doctor got phone interview on Wednesday for LCWRA then will take it from there. . 

Are you sure the phone call is regarding the work capability assessment? Have you received the UC50 form in the post yet? If not then the interview is likely to be another work focused interview with a work coach and not the work capability assessment (WCA). WCA are done by the Health Assessment Advisory Service, not by a work coach. See link, it says ESA but it's exactly the same for UC. https://chdauk.co.uk/your-assessment/types-of-assessments/employment-and-support-allowance-esa/

Alex_Alumni

Thank for updating us all @MartynSinclair2 that's great to hear That's right, take it bit by bit, that's the best way forward. 

If we can help with anything before Wednesday, please do let us know.

poppy123456

Once you're referred for the WCA you will receive a letter on your journal. Shortly after this you will receive the form in the post. Have you received the letter on your journal yet?

Please also remember that when claiming UC you are classed as a job seeker until a decision is made on the WCA. It's a work coaches discretion whether they turn off or reduce work commiments. Some do and some don't.

MartynSinclair2

@poppy123456.
It says on my Journal it's a 
"Commitments Review" do I still have to job search while on a Fit Note.

poppy123456

Then that’s not a work capability assessment. It will be with your work coach to review your commitments. 

As I advised here…

poppy123456 said:

when claiming UC you are classed as a job seeker until a decision is made on the WCA. It's a work coaches discretion whether they turn off or reduce work commiments. Some do and some don't.

MartynSinclair2

I see ! Will they adapt my commitments according to my illness.. do I continue to job search on a fit note.

calcotti

MartynSinclair2 said:

I see ! Will they adapt my commitments according to my illness.. do I continue to job search on a fit note.

It depends on your Work Coach.

MartynSinclair2

Well got my PIPs award.
Standard daily living

And enhanced Mobility..
What ever that means.

Alex_Alumni

That's good news @MartynSinclair2 how do you feel about it?

Scope has some guidance on understanding your PIP award, so hopefully this will help: 

Understanding your PIP report

The assessor will write a report based on your assessment. This will make recommendations to the DWP. When writing the report, they assess your ability to carry out everyday activities.

There are 2 components.

PIP components

PIP looks at 2 parts of your life:

• the daily living component for people who need help with everyday tasks

• the mobility component for people who find it hard to get around

You should complete both sections of the form.

Each component has a standard or enhanced level. There are 12 activities, 10 for daily living and 2 for mobility. For each component, you need:

• 8 to 11 points for the standard rate

• 12 points or more for the enhanced rate

It is possible to get a different rate for each component. This is because they are assessed separately.

For example, if you received 10 points for daily living and 13 points for mobility, your award would be:

• standard rate for daily living

• enhanced rate for mobility

Let us know if anything still doesn't make sense, and we'll see if we can help

MartynSinclair2

@Alex_Scope
Hi

I am getting the enhanced Mobility Rate but don't drive. Can I get a bus pass instead.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @MartynSinclair2 that's good question, I believe you can, yes.

You'd need to check with your local authority to see the documents you'd need to apply, and you can find this information by searching on the Gov.uk website. 

Normally you'll qualify for a free bus pass if you have an 'eligible disability': 

7 categories of disability to be eligible for a bus pass

Whilst there are many types of disabilities, the DfT recognise the below 7 categories that residents can apply for a disabled free bus pass. The disability must be permanent or likely to last at least 12 months.

"(a) is blind or partially sighted"

"(b) is profoundly or severely deaf"

"(c) is without speech"

"(d) has a disability, or have suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to walk"

"(e) does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms"

"(f) has a learning disability, that is, a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning"

"(g) would if they applied for the grant of a licence to drive a motor vehicle under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of the Act (physical fitness) otherwise than on the ground of persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol" (i.e. epilepsy; severe mental disorder; other disabilities which are likely to cause the driving of vehicles by them to be a source of danger to the public).

Please note that being unable to drive due to prescribed medication or drug/alcohol misuse does not qualify as entitlement for a bus pass.

The Department for Transport also produces guidance to local authorities on assessing eligibility of disabled people in England for concessionary bus travel.

I hope this helps, it's something I've been meaning to sort out for myself for a while!  

 

poppy123456

MartynSinclair2 said:

@Alex_Scope
Hi

I am getting the enhanced Mobility Rate but don't drive. Can I get a bus pass instead.

You will need to check your local Authority because they all have different rules. For my LA Enhanced mobility doesn't automatically entitle you to a bus pass. See link and then you can check the criteria https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-disabled-bus-pass

MartynSinclair2

Hi Peeps.
As you know I have been awarded pips I got the standard rate and enhanced Mobility. I have now been sent a capability for work form (24 pages) now I've been told to apply for ESA is this right ? 

calcotti

MartynSinclair2 said:

Hi Peeps.
As you know I have been awarded pips I got the standard rate and enhanced Mobility. I have now been sent a capability for work form (24 pages) now I've been told to apply for ESA is this right ? 

If the form you have received is UC50 it is a Work Capability Assessment form for UC.

if you have a full NI record for 2019-20 and 20-21 you can claim ESA but there is no financial gain because it is deducted from UC