Limited Capacity for Work assessment / Heart Failure

Adams_Dad

I have heart failure (and diabetes, sarcoid disease, osteoporosis) and currently work full time, so I get no benefits.
It's main effect on me is shortness of breath when doing physical activity (pulling a duvet to cover me on the bed is enough) or in a cold environment.  This does restrict me in my current role but my employers have - so far - acommodated my limitations where they can.

I find GTN spray can help (makes the heart have to work less hard) but my GP's diagnosis doesn't support that.

However, main question - I understand that the DWP Limited Capacity for Work assessment is very difficult to pass - but is there any way I can take it without getting benefits now - or do I have to take the financial risk of reducing hours under medical advice and then taking the test which will take ages to process and probably fail.

I currently have a PIP claim in (waiting for the expected refusal on that too lol)

calcotti

You will not be be able to get a WCA carried out in advance of making a benefit claim. Even if you claimed UC, you would not be referred for a WCA while you are earning over 16 x NMW/week (unless you are awarded PIP).

You can read the WCA criteria here
https://www.uceplus.co.uk/descriptors

poppy12345

You can't have the work capability assessment without claiming either New style ESA or Universal Credit.

If you're unable to work because of your health condition then you need to look at SSP from your employer first, which is payable for 28 weeks with a fit note from your GP.

https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit along side the SSP. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you'll bne excluded from claiming. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=00968cd9-c4ff-474f-9c70-3c08b284453f

New style ESA can be claimed once the SSP ends providing you've paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021. If you claim both ESA and UC together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.