Work search reviews while awaiting UC50 decision

beegirl90s
beegirl90s Online Community Member Posts: 24 Connected

I am just constantly escalating to panic with this process. I migrated from child tax credit, i've always done everything I could to avoid UC. I am disabled, have multiple conditions and my daily life is very limited. I can't even cook a meal or sit up for long most of the time.

I submitted sick note the day after I migrated, at the start of January. I then submitted UC50 at the start of feb, along with lots of medical evidence, including letters for consultants requesting I only be assessed paper based.

The work coach has booked the third appointment now, initially asked me what I was doing to get well….my conditions are not curable. Next appointment was work related requirements interview where I was told that the government will be wanting all disabled people to work before long so I may as well just work now. I got too distressed when the questions started to be about how well I clean my house - which I struggle with greatly. My friend took over most of the call for me. Now I have another appointment but this one says it is a work search appointment.

I am worried that they have somehow escalated me and are now expecting me to full work searches - i am bed bound sometimes and very limited in my function. I am trying to hold on until the wca decision but I just can't cope with this. I have multiple physical and mental health conditions, and the calls with the work coach leave me wanting to harm myself. Are they escalating me? I really need some advice on how to handle them because I don't know how to engage and what I can refuse etc - if they tell me to spend 30 hours searching for work - i physically do that.

Everytime I get these appointment notifications I then don't sleep or eat and that makes my physical conditions worse.

Also, I have just been diagnosed with a new condition - do I tell thw work coach? should i send that to the WCA people? they've had my form and paperwork for over three months but this is a new letter.

thanks for any advice, I relaly can't cope with this. Perhaps all I can do is wait until the appointment and then if it is too much and she's asking me to do things I can't, then at that point I will cancel the claim.

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 5,910 Championing

    You can make a complaint about your work coaches expectations being unreasonable for your situation.

    https://makeacomplaint.dwp.gov.uk/

    While awaiting a WCA outcome Work Coaches do have discretion as to what they ask of people.

    You could also consult a trained benefits advisor so you are fully aware of your rights in this matter.

    https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

  • beegirl90s
    beegirl90s Online Community Member Posts: 24 Connected

    thank you, that is good to know, she was saying it last time as if she had no choice, so that is very useful to know.