Limited capability for work

user31
user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi

Just wanted some advice about my recent assessment I have recently had my work capability assessment and have been awarded limited capability for work im pregnant and also suffer with my mental health I was wondering if I could ask to be re assessed for limited capability for work and work related activity as I feel that my condition has worsened over the last couple of weeks to tell you the truth I'm struggling to get up in the mornings and sometimes I just can't I understand the assessment was done and that's the descion they made but I feeling like I can't cope with it all I also take care of my partner who has health problems and 3 year old any advice would be much appreciated thanks

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,413 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @user31. I'm so sorry that your health has worsened. It must be so difficult whilst being pregnant and caring for a young child and your partner. Here's the information I found:

    If your health has changed since your last Universal Credit review or LCWRA reassessment, tell the DWP. You can:

    You might need to have a Work Capability Assessment.

    Work Capability Assessment

    Do you have any other support for yourself or your partner? Does your child go to nursery for the free hours so you get a bit of a break?

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    I don't have any other support for myself and partner at the moment my 3 year old doesn't attend anything at the moment but I think I definitely need to look into getting him into nursery as I think will be so good for him to do to mix with other children ect . Thank you so much I will do that and hopefully sort something out thanks again for your help

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,413 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    I'd definitely recommend nursery. My daughter is 10 months and she started a few weeks ago and loves it. It'll give you a break and it'll be good socialisation for your child - they'll have a great time! I've had so much artwork already 😄 Here's some information about what you can get https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-3-to-4-year-olds .

    I've also sent you an email if you can look out for it please.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Online Community Member Posts: 7,774 Championing

    You need to appeal the LCW decision, and say why you qualify for LCWRA

    https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

    Step 1 ask UC for a copy of the assessment report.

    Submit a Mandatory Reconsideration (few decisions are changed at this stage). This is best done in writing.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/challenging-a-universal-credit-decision-mandatory-consideration/

    Appeal to an independent appeal tribunal hearing.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/appealing-a-universal-credit-decision-at-a-tribunal/

    Support with the process:

    https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Thank you that's great I will do that thanks for your help

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Just a quick question I'm not the best when it comes to writing things I get very overwhelmed with it all how would you start the conversation/ letter to them thanks for your help in advance

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,413 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    You can fill in a form - Disagreeing with a decision - which might be easier as you're answering questions. The first link Kimi sent has all the information about the descriptors they use which you can use to describe your current health and needs - https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

    Just ask if you need more help 😊

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Thank you that's great

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Hi

    Just wondering if anyone had any advice about the appeal for my case I've been awarded limited capability for work but not limited capability for work and work related activity I've just come out of hospital as I had a hemoridge I lost up to 3 pints of blood and I had to have a blood transfusion also a bunch of other things they had to do I also suffer with my mental health I got out of hospital over the weekend it's impacted my mental and physical health massively to tell the truth I haven't been out of bed due to physically not being able to also being so tired I struggled before all this but now it just seems to have got worse I'm not the best at writing the write things an also at the moment I'm struggling to write this I appreciate any help thanks so much

    C

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 7,193 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @user31, I'm so sorry to hear you've been in hospital and that things have been so hard. That sounds terrifying and it all must have taken a huge toll on you. I can see that other members have posted some useful links already earlier in the discussion so I hope some of that has been helpful.

    Is there anything in particular you're struggling with about appealing your case? I'm sure some of our members will be able to help if you need anything.

    If you'd like to get some professional advice, you can search for a local benefits adviser here: https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Thanks very much the only thing I'm struggling with is how to word things I'm not the best at it to be honest I can't always get what I'm trying to in say over to the person if that makes sense

  • Rosie_Scope
    Rosie_Scope Posts: 7,193 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Do you think you'd be up to speaking with a benefits adviser? They know the system really well and can help look at your case in detail. They should be able to go through your form with you and help you make the most of your appeal. It's well worth a go if you're up to it. But if that's not something you're able to do I'm sure we'll be able to help with some of it.

    If you don't have the report from your assessment, that can be a helpful starting point because you can then write why you disagree with the things they have written. You can ask for this on your UC journal, by writing a message and asking for the report.

    Once you're ready to start writing your Mandatory Reconsideration, have a look at the descriptors for the LCWRA category and see which ones would apply to you. You can base what you want to write on what they've written:

    https://www.advicenow.org.uk/get-help/benefits/universal-credit-uc/limited-capability-work-and-work-related-activity-element

    For people experiencing mental health difficulties, looking at descriptor numbers 12 and 13 are often useful. So for example, if you experience significant distress from being around others, that is worth writing about. If you can give some real world examples of what happens if you do have to interact with others that can be really helpful to them. For example, if you have panic attacks or other severe symptoms when you interact with others, you can put down any times this has happened to you as an example.

    I'm sure our members have some other tips too but I hope that's a good start.

    Have you discussed any work commitments with your work coach since you had your decision? If you're not up to any of the things they're asking you to do it's worth mentioning that in a message on your journal so they're aware that you're not well at the moment. Hopefully they'll be able to take the pressure off while things get sorted.

  • user31
    user31 Online Community Member Posts: 40 Listener

    Thanks I'll have a look at it all and go from there

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