Universal credit not working out for me

rufuschucklebutty

I have severe clinical depression and I keep getting sanctions put on my account due to missing appointments, not keeping up with documents they want or getting sick notes. 

I have explained this to them but the system doesn't allow for what i need which is that I get long periods when I loose all energy and need to just ignore the outside world and have a rest,  in effect they are fining me for being unwell which is not my fault,  what can I do about this ?

poppy12345

When claiming UC you're classed as a job seeker until a decision is made on the work capability assessment. A work coach does have discretion to either turn off or reduce commiments.

If you have reported your health condition then yes you will need to make sure you continue to send fit notes until a decision is made on the WCA. Have you reported your health condition?

Spoonie_Turtle

Do you have anyone who can help you?  Unfortunately the system is rigid and as you have found, inaccessible for some because it does not allow for difficulties meeting the administrative requirements.

born_again

I would ask doctors to give you a 6 month fit note. Ours was more than happy to do that rather than being troubled every month.
But like @poppy12345
Have you had work capability assessment yet or even the forms?

Rubyroobs

In my experience ( of assisting others with Uc claims), if you let them know how bad your mental health is, they will often do all they can to help make things easier for you. But UC does still require, at the very minimum that you check your to do list on your journal and send in sick notes. If you lapse with the sick notes, then unfortunately they will just cancel the work capability process so it's really important , as a minimum to hand in sick notes until you've been assessed and engage with your work coach.