UC when fixed term contract ends

ikcdab

Hi there
I have been on uc and I also claim pip and the limited capability for work element of uc. I have been doing a traineeship on a years fixed term contract. During this time I have been paid a wage, declared my earnings which uc has topped up.
The fixed term contract ends in May and I will be leaving the job as I have not got on very well. What should I do about the uc? Will it just continue back at the old (full) rate or am I going too get penalised for the contact ending and losing the job?
I assume I will need to declare on my journal that I have ledft the job, what will happen then? Will I just get laid at the full rate or will I need to go for more job centre meetings?
Its my fault that I am leaving the job as I am niot suited to the work and I havent got on well - will I be penalised for this failure?

calcotti

Your UC will continue and you should get the full amount. You should put a note on your journal about the work ending but if you have LCWRA your claim has no work search conditionality so you cannot be sanctioned whatever the reason. If it was fixed term you could just put a note saying it has come to an end and has not been extended. If it is LCW you have there is only work preparation activity you are expected to do so again I don’t think you can be sanctioned but you may have to go to a work coach appointment to review what is expected of you.

ikcdab

calcotti wrote: »

Your UC will continue. You should put a note on your journal about the work ending but if you have LCWRA your claim has no work search conditionality so you cannot be sanctioned whatever the reason. If it was fixed term you just put a note saying i5has come to an end and has not been extended.

Thanks, yes I am being paid limited capability for work allowance of £126.11 a month. I had no idea that this means theer is no work search conditionality and that I cannot be sanctioned.
Thank you for that response, it is very reassuring.

calcotti

ikcdab wrote: »

Thanks, yes I am being paid limited capability for work allowance of £126.11 a month. I had no idea that this means theer is no work search conditionality and that I cannot be sanctioned.
Thank you for that response, it is very reassuring.

Please note my extended reply above (still editing as you were replying). You have LCA rather than LCWRA so do have some commitment but I would still be hopeful that you would not be sanctioned. LCW is a recognition that you have some difficulties so if the job is not suitable that should not be held against you. I would keep your journal entry very simple, you don’t need to go into detail unless you are asked. As it was fixed term not having it extended seems straightforward enough to me.

With LCW you are expected to do work preparation, see https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Universal-Credit/Claimant-Commitment-Conditionality

“Work preparation requirement

You will be placed in this group if you are assessed as having limited capability for work (LCW). If you are placed in this group, you will be expected to prepare for a move into work, additional work, or better paid work. Actions to get ready for work could include attending training courses, preparing a CV or taking part in the Work Programme.

You will not be required to take steps to apply for or take up work as a condition of your claim.“

If you fail to do activities DWP ask you to do within this category you could be sanctioned.

ikcdab

calcotti wrote: »

Please note my extended reply above (still editing as you were replying). You have LCA rather than LCWRA so do have some commitment but I am still fairly confident that you should not be sanctioned. I would keep your post very simple, you don’t need to go into detail unless you are asked.

Thank you, that makes sense.