LCWRA/ LCW Anxiety and depression

kbel88
kbel88 Online Community Member Posts: 13 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)
Hello, sorry for the long post. I have had anxiety and depression for many years which has been manageable untill now. I worked untill 4 years ago when I gave up my job to become my mums full time carer. I got carers allowance and uc but didn’t need to attend any meetings with them. My mum died in January from sepsis which was a complete shock, I told uc straight away and they made me go to a commitments review the week after. I was so distressed that they postponed it and since then my dr has been giving me sick notes each month. I have had a uc50 to fill out and from looking on here if I get lcw and not LCWRA I will have to attend these meetings. I know I won’t get LCWRA as physically there is nothing wrong with me but I’m mentally in a really bad place. I don’t care about the extra money I just can’t face meetings. I can’t face going out as when I have gone out in public I have panic attacks, I can hardly eat or sleep, I’ve lost nearly 2 stone and am waiting for counselling, my old job have said I can go there part time when I’m ready which I will do when I’m better. I just can’t cope with all this. Will they do the assessment over the phone if I can’t go out

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Sorry for your loss! Just because you don't have a physical condition this doens't mean you can't be found to have LCWRA. Lots of people with mental health conditions are successfully awarded this.
    You can see the descriptors for this here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity only one of those needs to apply because it's not about scoring points.

    You will likely need an assessment before a decision is made because most people have them. These are mostly by telephone but can also be face to face or video call. You can ask for a telephone assessment.  If this is needed once an appointment becomes available you will be contacted.

    Once a decision is made if you're not happy you can challenge that decision by first requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration. However, try not to think the worst at this stage, though i know it's difficult.

  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    Hello @kbel88

    I just wanted to offer my condolences for the loss of your mum. Can I ask, are you getting any support for the anxiety or depression at the moment? 
  • kbel88
    kbel88 Online Community Member Posts: 13 Listener
    thankyou for your comments. My g.p has increased my anti depressants and put me on propranolol. I’m waiting to hear from cruse for counselling and my friends and family are trying to support me but I just want to shut the world away, I have a 9 year old daughter and I feel awful because I can’t be the parent I should for her
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    @kbel88 But you are being the parent you should for her. Asking for help is a huge hurdle! I'm hoping you hear back for counselling soon. There are great organisations like SHOUT who are a 24/7 texting service, should you need to speak to anyone. We are always here too :) 

    9 is a great age! Not long until secondary school 😱 I bet you feel she is growing fast! I don't have any children yet, but come from a big family. I have an 11 year old cousin who is Harry Potter mad. Is your daughter a huge fan of anything? 

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