LCWRA Question

kazzyd_2

I've posted here on quite a few occasions about my circumstances, PIP refusal..... Reducing hours due to illnesses etc.

I currently work 16 hours and UC pay part of my rent.

I have various conditions, anxiety and depression, mild arthritis type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure

So, I've asked myself if I'd like to give up work altogether and although most of the time I think yes, I probably wouldn't. So I'm thinking I may drop to 12 hours but obviously I would lose money.

It's been explained to me on here about LCWRA. However, I still don't understand it. I know there's 2 groups, one if your not capable of preparing for work & the other if you are? But I already work?

From what I gather, I would submit fit notes from the GP? But would the GP say.. She's only capable of 12 hours or that she isn't capable of work? I think that's part of what I'm not getting. Also, I didn't know you could get a fit note if you were working? I just thought, you're either fit for work or you aren't? I didn't realise there was an in between. How can someone be fit to work 12 hours but not 16 or full time?

Also, I know PIP is hard to get but what's the difference between the two? Why would you get LCWRA but not PIP? Surely both are about how your condition affects you? Sorry for all the questions I just find it all confusing & I'm trying to understand it before I decide whether to drop down or not.

calcotti

A Fit Note can say that your illness affects your ability to work and that you cannot therefore work full time. Whether your GP is willing to issue such a Fit Note will depend on them.
I included information on Fit Notes in a replyin your previous thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6195431/lcwra-advice/p1.

Note that, as advised in your previous thread, if you are still earning more than 16 hours x NMW you cannot be referred for a Work Capability Assessment to determine whether or not you have a LCWRA.

Regardless of whether or not you can get a Fit Note and be referred you will only be found to have a LCWRA if you meet one of the qualifying conditions
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/3904-limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

Whereas LCWRA is about your ability to work PIPis about your ability to carry out a specified set of activities. 
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-points-system
You can apply again if you think you might now qualify.

poppy12345

Regarding the PIP, did you take it to Tribunal? If not was there any reasons why?

calcotti

poppy12345 said:

Regarding the PIP, did you take it to Tribunal? If not was there any reasons why?

In a previous thread OP said the PIP went to tribunal and was refused.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6322163/universal-credit-housing#latest

poppy12345

Thank calcotti, i missed that one.

OP before reapplying i would advise you to get some expert advice from an agency near you. They will be able to tell you if enough points can be scored for an award. This link will tell you what's local to you. https://advicelocal.uk/

kazzyd_2

Thanks both of you, I appreciate your replies.
I don't think I would claim PIP again, I didn't think I'd qualify then and I still don't think I would. I can manage mostly everything myself.

I spend most of the time dreading going into work but when I'm done, most days I ask myself what I was worried about. Also, if I didn't go to work, I wouldn't go out the door.

I'm just not sure whether to drop a shift a week. At the moment this new condition has me up most of the night then I'm tired in the morning. I'll have a think about it.

Spoonie_Turtle

Well, it depends on *how* you manage by yourself - definitely look again at the reliably aspect of PIP.  It covers time taken, manner/safely, whether it leaves you less able to do the other activities afterwards because of pain, fatigue, etc., and also whether you can do it as often as would reasonably be expected.

Some expert advice with your current situation would probably be a good idea

kazzyd_2

So following on from this.

I saw my GP today and she's not sure why she'd give me a fitnote . She said a fitnote is to say I'm not fit to work, not that I want to work less. I'm not sure what to do now if I decide to drop a shift?

poppy12345

kazzyd_2 said:

So following on from this.

I saw my GP today and she's not sure why she'd give me a fitnote . She said a fitnote is to say I'm not fit to work, not that I want to work less. I'm not sure what to do now if I decide to drop a shift?

A fit note can say that your health affects the amount you're able to work as mentioned here.

calcotti said:

A Fit Note can say that your illness affects your ability to work and that you cannot therefore work full time.

kazzyd_2

poppy12345 said:

kazzyd_2 said:

So following on from this.

I saw my GP today and she's not sure why she'd give me a fitnote . She said a fitnote is to say I'm not fit to work, not that I want to work less. I'm not sure what to do now if I decide to drop a shift?

A fit note can say that your health affects the amount you're able to work as mentioned here.

calcotti said:

A Fit Note can say that your illness affects your ability to work and that you cannot therefore work full time.

Thank you. I'll probably just carry on with the 16 hours for now I think, seems like a hassle.