UC MH issues.

RichardD1970

Hi, I'm in the process of trying to help my 19 year old son claim UC.

He has severe anxiety and depression and hasn't really been able to leave the house in over 3 years. He dropped out of school just before his GCSE's, despite being on track for A's and B's across the board, so has no qualifications at all.

We have reached the "proof of identity" stage but that requires him to phone and arrange an appointment to take the relevant documentation in for verification, which he is obviously not going to be able to do.

I will phone the helpline next week but wondered if anyone has any experience in situations like this and what happens next?

Thanks in advance.

calcotti

The claim cannot be processed until identity has been verified but he can request a home visit.
Will you be providing a GP Fit Note in the hope that he can be found to have Limited Capability for Work or Limited capability for Work and Work Related Activity?

Have you also looked at PIP? https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

RichardD1970

Thanks,

A fit note shouldn't be a problem, he is under the doctor with regular telephone consultations. There is no way he could even contemplate looking for work at the moment.

Is PIP a separate thing then, I thought it had all been brought under the umbrella of UC?

calcotti

RichardD1970 wrote: »

Is PIP a separate thing then, I thought it had all been brought under the umbrella of UC?

No is completely separate. UC has only replaced various means tested benefits such as income based ESA. PIP is not means tested, it is awarded based solely on how a health condition affects a claimant's ability to undertake the specified activities. If PIP is awarded this is all extra money as it is ignored when assessing UC entitlement.

I would recommend getting a Fit Note. Did you make clear on the UC claim that he has health problems? If so and the Fit Note is provided he should have a Work capability Assessment and if found to have Limited capability for Work will not be required to look for work, if found to have Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity he will receive extra money in the fourth month after UC are first informed of the health condition.

GoodGrief2019

Hi, if a person is already on income-related ESA for mental health problems, do they need to make a fresh claim for UC, or is it switched over?

poppy12345

GoodGrief2019 wrote: »

Hi, if a person is already on income-related ESA for mental health problems, do they need to make a fresh claim for UC, or is it switched over?

Your question was answered here on your other thread. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6054906/help-i-just-dont-understand
no need to post the question twice because it just causes confusion.