UC work capability video assessment

SUPERGIRL2020

Ive had a letter saying I have to have a video assessment for my UC claim. Im worried what does this mean and what should I do? 

sammyjammy

Its exactly the same as a face to face appointment but its videoed, it might feel awkward but its being introduced and I can't see at any detriment to the claimant.

poppy12345

Are you sending in fit notes because of a health condition? If so then this will be the work capability assessment. There's some information here. Although it says ESA, the work capability assessment for UC is exactly the same. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

SUPERGIRL2020

poppy12345 said:

Are you sending in fit notes because of a health condition? If so then this will be the work capability assessment. There's some information here. Although it says ESA, the work capability assessment for UC is exactly the same. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

Yes I am! Does this mean my money will be stopped?

poppy12345

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

poppy12345 said:

Are you sending in fit notes because of a health condition? If so then this will be the work capability assessment. There's some information here. Although it says ESA, the work capability assessment for UC is exactly the same. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

Yes I am! Does this mean my money will be stopped?

No, that's not what it means. Once this assessment is completed, a report will be writen and returned to DWP. A decision maker will then look at that and all the evidence you sent and make a decision on your claim. If found to have LCWRA you will receive money from the 4th month of your claim. You will not be expected to look for work or attend any appointments.

If found to have LCW there will be no extra money but you could be expected to attend appointments at your local Job centre.

If found fit for work then you will be expected to look for work and your money will remain the same.

See link and scroll down to "work capability assessment" https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit

Robbie64

sammyjammy said:

Its exactly the same as a face to face appointment but its videoed, it might feel awkward but its being introduced and I can't see at any detriment to the claimant.

It would be if the claimant didn't have a computer with a webcam...

Spoonie_Turtle

Robbie64 said:

sammyjammy said:

Its exactly the same as a face to face appointment but its videoed, it might feel awkward but its being introduced and I can't see at any detriment to the claimant.

It would be if the claimant didn't have a computer with a webcam...

The majority of people have some device with a camera - tablet, smartphone, laptop, or indeed desktop computer with a webcam.

There will still be people who don't, of course, and there are also people with a suitable device but very limited mobile data and no wifi.  One would hope they would consider a telephone assessment as an alternative in such cases.

sammyjammy

Robbie64 said:

sammyjammy said:

Its exactly the same as a face to face appointment but its videoed, it might feel awkward but its being introduced and I can't see at any detriment to the claimant.

It would be if the claimant didn't have a computer with a webcam...

If its part of the trials being rolled out its not a video assessment its a face to face that is videoed.

ETA My apologies I think I am wrong!  Although clearly if the claimant doesn't have the ability to take part in a video assessment there won't be one!

poppy12345

sammyjammy said:

Robbie64 said:

sammyjammy said:

Its exactly the same as a face to face appointment but its videoed, it might feel awkward but its being introduced and I can't see at any detriment to the claimant.

It would be if the claimant didn't have a computer with a webcam...

If its part of the trials being rolled out its not a video assessment its a face to face that is videoed.

ETA My apologies I think I am wrong!  Although clearly if the claimant doesn't have the ability to take part in a video assessment there won't be one!

Yes you are. They've been doing video assessments for quite a while now. If a claimant can't complete this then yes, ring the assessment providers and tell them and they will cancel the appointment and change it to either a face to face or telephone.

SUPERGIRL2020

poppy12345 said:

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

poppy12345 said:

Are you sending in fit notes because of a health condition? If so then this will be the work capability assessment. There's some information here. Although it says ESA, the work capability assessment for UC is exactly the same. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

Yes I am! Does this mean my money will be stopped?

No, that's not what it means. Once this assessment is completed, a report will be writen and returned to DWP. A decision maker will then look at that and all the evidence you sent and make a decision on your claim. If found to have LCWRA you will receive money from the 4th month of your claim. You will not be expected to look for work or attend any appointments.

If found to have LCW there will be no extra money but you could be expected to attend appointments at your local Job centre.

If found fit for work then you will be expected to look for work and your money will remain the same.

See link and scroll down to "work capability assessment" https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit

I'm very worried as my fit notes are about my mental health not physical health its hard to explain mental health problems 

Spoonie_Turtle

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

poppy12345 said:

SUPERGIRL2020 said:

poppy12345 said:

Are you sending in fit notes because of a health condition? If so then this will be the work capability assessment. There's some information here. Although it says ESA, the work capability assessment for UC is exactly the same. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

Yes I am! Does this mean my money will be stopped?

No, that's not what it means. Once this assessment is completed, a report will be writen and returned to DWP. A decision maker will then look at that and all the evidence you sent and make a decision on your claim. If found to have LCWRA you will receive money from the 4th month of your claim. You will not be expected to look for work or attend any appointments.

If found to have LCW there will be no extra money but you could be expected to attend appointments at your local Job centre.

If found fit for work then you will be expected to look for work and your money will remain the same.

See link and scroll down to "work capability assessment" https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit

I'm very worried as my fit notes are about my mental health not physical health its hard to explain mental health problems 

The WCA activities assessed do include mental health problems.  In case you are not familiar with how it's assessed, here are some pointers:

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/esa_criteria  (It says ESA but the criteria for UC are the same)

There is also the issue of whether working, having to look for work and apply for jobs, being made to attend appointments and having to travel to and from them, etc. would make your health worse (or if it would endanger anyone else around you because of how it would affect your health) so be sure to tell them if either of those are the case.  This is the 'substantial risk' provision if you don't score enough points or if you don't meet a LCWRA descriptor.

https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/will-i-need-a-work-capability-assessment-to-claim-benefits/how-do-i-fill-in-the-capability-for-work-health-questionnaire/

https://wcainfo.net/  for looking at what the activities mean.