Self-employed working disabled but migration from WTC to UC wants a note saying I can't work?

Azukker · August 2023

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of confusion - I'm disabled (bedbound), but manage to work for myself, doing computer work, and have for years - I don't earn huge amounts and so got working tax credits & the disabled element top-up. I've now been told to migrate to UC.

On initial application to UC, and explaining things in the "journal" - I've been told I need to provide a "fit note" - which from what I can gather online, is a sick note basically saying I can't work. I want to check I'm not in a catch-22 situation, or shooting myself in the foot in other ways here - because I do work, I am working, for myself, from my bed. I'm not incapable of work, I've been managing from my bed for years - and my doctor knows this full well!

(I get PIP too, but apparently this is irrelevant).

I asked to double-check via the journal "Just to confirm, you want me to provide a fit note stating I'm unable to work, to help my low income I get from working?" and was told yes.

I wanted some re-assurances here first, if people could please - or perhaps I've just mis-understood the meaning of a "fit note" and it's not really saying I can't actually work.

Thanks in advance.

poppy123456 · August 2023

There’s no disability element to UC like there is with WTC.

Therefore when you report your health condition to UC they will need you to provide a fit note (formally a sick note) to start the work capability assessment process off. Without that fit note you won’t be referred for the WCA. You need to continue to send them without any gaps until a decision is made on your WCA.

People do work while going through the WCA and also when being found to have either LCW or LCWRA. However, if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you’re claiming then it can go against you.

You will need to be found to have LCWRA to be entitled to extra money each month. You can see the descriptors here https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

You can see more details here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

Hannah_Alumni · August 2023

Hello @Azukker

Welcome to the community!

Hope you are well?

I see Poppy has answered your query. I just wanted to share that when I was on Universal Credit, I was awarded LWCRA as I had just had stoma surgery and couldn't do many jobs. I had to send it fit notes as well until I was awarded. There is information on work allowances and universal credit on the government website that I'd encourage you to read

Self-employed working disabled but migration from WTC to UC wants a note saying I can't work?

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