Was on Carers allowance and universal credit

jeanette78
jeanette78 Community Member Posts: 34 Connected
in Benefits and income

Until yesterday I was caring for my mother and receiving both carers allowance and Universal credit. She suddenly passed away. I'm also on PIP. After informing the dwp they want to have an appointment later this month, regarding work. I'm 65 in August and physically unable to work, due to tremor in my hands, epilepsy and osteoarthritis in my right hip and knee, making it hard to stand or walk for any time. Any information would be helpful.

Jeanette

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Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,778 Championing

    I'm so sorry for your loss, having gone through the same myself in February.

    You need to report your health condition using your UC Journal, and submit a Fit Note from your GP to start the Work Capability Assessment process.

    https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit

    When you receive the UC50 form, I'd strongly advise you get help filling it in.

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

    Unfortunately your PIP doesn't count for anything in the WCA.

    Until you get a WCA outcome you will be treated as a job seeker. However, some work coaches are more reasonable than others while awaiting the outcome.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,815 Online Community Team

    I'm so sorry for your loss @jeanette78. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you. Kimi has offered some great advice so I just wanted to check how you're coping? Have you got support?

  • jeanette78
    jeanette78 Community Member Posts: 34 Connected

    Thanks both, yes, my 2 nephews and my niece are a great comfort. I contacted the doctors surgery and they wanted to know when I wanted the fit note dated from? How do i request a work capability assessment form?

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,778 Championing

    UC generally don't accept backdated Fit Notes, it's the date that they receive it that counts.

    The claimant doesn't request the UC50 form, rather it is sent out by the DWP after 29 days following on from you reporting the health condition.

    Expect the whole process to take several months at least.

    If you are deemed as meeting one of these descriptors, you won't have any work commitments.

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

    The two other outcomes are fit for work, or Limited Capability for Work where you would need to meet with a work coach.

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

    You can appeal against the outcome if you aren't happy.

  • jeanette78
    jeanette78 Community Member Posts: 34 Connected

    My Doctor rang me this afternoon, with condolences re my mother. After talking about her, I mentioned the fit note, and that at 65 and on pip and unfit for work, they'd made an appointment up the jobcentre. She said if I got the dates they wanted the fit note from to her, before Friday, as she going away, she'd handle it herself.

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,778 Championing

    I don't think backdating will be of any use.

    Even if the Fit Note is backdated, UC will count it as starting from the date you give it to them.

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