Universal Credit Assessment Questions Please ?

Lost_Souls

Hi guys new to this forums and signed up to try and get some help with my issue. Small story about me

2007 I fell down 5 story building which left me disabled with severe mobility issues
2014 I was involved in severe RTC where I was hit from behind by large lorry and got sandwiched between 2 large lorry's I severely fractured my back in multiple places
2018 while sleeping large extraction fan cover made of metal fell and hit me on the head which caused me severe concussion

If this is not enough I also suffer from Anxiety and Depression and take tons of medication for all this.


I have been classed disabled from 2007 accident and always passed my assessments even when failed 2 years a go my ESA assessment Decision maker when I appealed has overturned original decision and reinstated my ESA which I was put in support group. Because of my disability and not been able to move around to much I was given bungalow for my medical needs. Area I was given bungalow is full UC area which ment I had to sign up to UC and they put me in to Limited capability for work and work-related activity. I was told I do not need to attend any examinations due to my disability and mental issues. Today I got notification from UC with following attachment

We need to find out if your disability, illness or health condition
affects your ability to work or carry out work-related activity.
capable of work-

What happens next
The Health Assessment Advisory Service (working for us) will
details
about any physical or mental health conditions you have and
how they affect you.

information to assess your capability for work. This means you
may have to do more to receive Universal Credit. This could
include being available for work, searching for work and
preparing for work.
If you need an assessment

go for a work capability assessment.
The Health Assessment Advisory Service will contact you to
arrange an appointment. The person assessing you will want to
find out how your disability, illness or health condition affects you
in everyday life



My questions are.

1. Is this normal practice even though I was told I would not need to have any examination because if my mental and physical issues.
2. Who does this assessments which company ?
3. Are they fair or same as ESA assessment they put tons of made up fairytales?
4. Can I request recorded assessment from past experience.
5. How often are this assessments done ?
6. Has anyone had experience not needing any assessment after they sent forms back ?
7. I can't do much so what exactly they expect me to do? If I refuse to do any activity will they fail me and write lie on the form ?


Thanks guys any help much appreciated.

calcotti

The UC assessment process is exactly the same as the ESA assessment process which, I infer, you are familiar with. It is usual to have a face to face assessment but this is not always required, it depends on your circumstances and whether they think they have enough information included on and with the UC50 form.

poppy12345

To add to calcotti's advice, when you do receive the UC50 form then you'll need to make sure you send evidence with it to support your claim.

Lost_Souls

Thanks guys any ideas who conducts the test and can I request recorded interview ?

poppy12345

Lost_Souls wrote: »

Thanks guys any ideas who conducts the test and can I request recorded interview ?

They are carried out by Health assessment advisory Service.

https://www.chdauk.co.uk/partnership-dwp


They will record WCA on request but you may have to wait longer for your assessment when requesting this.



You can record your own with permission by ringing them at least 48 hours before the assessment but you must use the appropriate recording equipment and record 2 identical copies, handing one in at the end.



CD/tape recorders are acceptable equipment to use but phones, laptops etc are not.

Lost_Souls

Thanks Ford reply any ideas I'd they fair on time assessment or same as others put tons of lies on the report ?

calcotti

Lost_Souls wrote: »

Thanks Ford reply any ideas I'd they fair on time assessment or same as others put tons of lies on the report ?

As advised previously it is the same process as for ESA and the same assessor. I would expect the accuracy/inaccuracy of the reports to be similar.

11krage

Hi. You've received good advice here. The only thing I'd add is make sure you return the questionnaire in plenty of time. Don't forget it also needs to go through internal processing their end which can take a while. Then watch your letter box like a hawk for your appointment letter. Medical services will have their contact details on the letters they send you in the post.


You hear about UC work capability assessments taking ages to complete the process, and this is usually because a form wasn't returned on time or they missed the assessment. Whenever one of those things happen it needs to be considered whether to re-refer and this can add literal months to the process.


So just make sure you're doing your side of things as fast as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for updates (but be prepared that even at its fastest pace it could take a few months). Just keep on top of things as medical services are very quick to close referrals whenever a form is a little late or there's a no show for an assessment.


If your address changes at any point in the process, also make sure you inform medical services of this, not just UC.