Working 16 hours down to 12

kazzyd_2

poppy12345 said:

They don't always ask about all of your conditions. They could have had enough of information without needing to ask. The form is there for you to give as much information as possible which would prevent further questions being asked during the assessment.

It's very easy to second guess yourself at the stage but try not to worry too much (easier said than done i know) hopefully the decision won't be too much longer, sometimes a decision is made quite quickly when claiming UC. Once it's made a letter will be uploaded onto your journal.

Thank you Poppy. I'm just more anxious now than I was before the assessment. My heads just full of it, worrying if it doesn't go my way that I'll be seen as fit and healthy and be forced into extra hours when the new AET comes in.
I just need to try and stop thinking about it.

Spoonie_Turtle

You can also ask for a copy of the report - it's possible you'll get the decision before any copy of the report, but if you don't agree with the decision it may help inform your challenge (e.g. if they've selected certain descriptors that you disagree with, or used reasoning that you refute, etc.).

Edit: but yes, in the meantime if you can distract yourself to stop worrying about it for now, would be best.  Easier said than done though, I know.

kazzyd_2

Spoonie_Turtle said:

You can also ask for a copy of the report - it's possible you'll get the decision before any copy of the report, but if you don't agree with the decision it may help inform your challenge (e.g. if they've selected certain descriptors that you disagree with, or used reasoning that you refute, etc.).

Edit: but yes, in the meantime if you can distract yourself to stop worrying about it for now, would be best.  Easier said than done though, I know.

Can I ask for that now or do I need to wait until the decision?

Spoonie_Turtle

You can ask for it now, I think, just send a message via your journal.  (It's also called the UC85.)

kazzyd_2

I just got my WCA decision. I have been awarded LCW and LCWRA.

I never for a second imagined I'd get LCWRA. This was mainly about me just dropping hours as I knew my health was declining and I didn't want to get forced into more.

Thank you so much to everyone on this thread who's helped and gave me advice along the way, it's been very much appreciated.

poppy12345

That’s really great news! You will now be entitled to an extra £354.28/month from the 4th month after you reported your health condition. 

As well as the work allowance, which is either £344/month if you claim for help with the rent or £573 if you don’t. The work allowance will apply from when you reported your health condition. 

kazzyd_2

poppy12345 said:

That’s really great news! You will now be entitled to an extra £354.28/month from the 4th month after you reported your health condition. 

As well as the work allowance, which is either £344/month if you claim for help with the rent or £573 if you don’t. The work allowance will apply from when you reported your health condition. 

So my assessment period is 26-25th. I reported my health condition on 18 August. So if I've counted right, I'm due the first payment on my next payment date?
And if the works allowance applies from then, does that mean they back date that? Currently I get around £30 after deductions, I reckon now it will be around £230.

calcotti

kazzyd_2 said: So my assessment period is 26-25th. I reported my health condition on 18 August. So if I've counted right, I'm due the first payment on my next payment date?

That looks right.

kazzyd_2 said:
And if the works allowance applies from then, does that mean they back date that? Currently I get around £30 after deductions, I reckon now it will be around £230.

The Work Allowance is, I think, backdated to the assessment period in which you reported your health condition (beginning 25th July) so you should be owed some arrears for the change.

Spoonie_Turtle

Oh brilliant, congratulations! 
You'll now be entitled to cold weather payments, and next year possibly the Warm Home Discount.  Your earnings threshold for help for health costs will be higher too, so if you don't already get free prescriptions, dental care and eye tests you may well do now.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

kazzyd_2

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Oh brilliant, congratulations! 
You'll now be entitled to cold weather payments, and next year possibly the Warm Home Discount.  Your earnings threshold for help for health costs will be higher too, so if you don't already get free prescriptions, dental care and eye tests you may well do now.
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs-for-people-getting-universal-credit/

Thank you. I have always got the Warm Home Discount, not sure why but I did. This year though when I went to apply, I didn't meet the requirements. Applications are still open with my supplier so I'll do that soon.

Thank you  again, everyone who has contributed and helped me 🙂