LCW and Long Covid

dp1

I posted a while ago when I'd applied for PIP as I have Long Covid. Unfortunately I was turned down at the appeal tribunal - I think because I was working although just for a few hours a day. If I go to work then that is all I manage to do that day and I am completely exhausted afterwards.
Anyways now the job centre advisor has said, because I am now only working 14 hours a week, I need to apply for LCW. I applied for this when I had had Long Covid for a few months and was turned down and then went down the PIP road.
I'm worried that I'll be turned down again as then they will say I need to work more hours, and I physically can't. I have a fit note from my doctor until April, which says I can only work less than 16 hours a week, in the afternoons.
Do any of you have any advice on how to fill in the application form? Would you advise me to do it through Citizens Advice? I have asked for a Statement of Reasons from the appeal tribunal. but haven't got it yet. 

Muttleythefrog

Difficult to advise... I think you're going to have to keep knocking on the door for PIP and getting Work Capability Assessments until you 'win'. I understand you've had help from CAB for the PIP.. not sure about the WCA. Broadly speaking their help should be useful as they should be experienced at presenting claimant disablements appropriately but given the failures and the nature of long Covid I may be tempted to look at whether you feel they're achieving this in previous submissions. On one hand they may be more expert on how to complete the forms and make appeal submissions but you're more expert on the difficulties you face. I presume you have a copy of paperwork from previous WCA.

In terms of the PIP statements of reasons.... I wouldn't hold out much hope that will help you much in explanation. I think in essence the tribunal you faced seemed to be sceptical of your difficulties and the focus on work at that appeal seemed a problem. You can appeal to upper tribunal if you think they lower tribunal made an error in law... but this seems an unlikely course of action. As another member pointed to in the previous thread you've now got experience of these processes and the failings and this may help going forward.

Importantly for the WCA (or PIP) focus on the activities and descriptors (which you consider lead to getting award) when describing your difficulties and give real examples... taking the reader through how your disablement plays out... and in your case reliability (criteria for PIP is defined) should feature significantly when giving such descriptions and explanations. Focus efforts on the relevant activities that you think will lead to qualification for LCW (or LCWRA) or indeed PIP. If you do seek help from CAB or the like then similarly convey such difficulties to them. The hit and miss nature that can be experienced of assessments and their accuracy are likely elevated in the case of conditions such as you have... these things should never come down to games of chance but I wonder if that might be a state of philosophical thinking that could be psychologically helpful especially in the face of feeling disbelieved. 

peteuk

Once piece of advice I have previously given is to break down the activities of PIP and have a period of time when you concentrate on that activity.  If you can make it a week per activity.  Look at the actual description of the activity and make notes when you do the activity.  Some may be easier that others eg preparing a meal.  During the week note down what happens when you prepare a meal, note down things like standing, grip, tiredness, forgetfulness ect.

Then the next week move on.  But try and link everything you do to that weeks activity.  So for instance standing up and mobility, make a note of how you feel every time you stand that includes going to the toilet, getting dressed/undressed ect.  

This may help cross reference your issues within certain activities and give you more real life examples or more evidence of them and the effect the exhaustion gives you.

Make notes of other effects that may not fall into an activity, like “brain-fog”, frustration and then relate them back to an activity.  It’s not just the physical aspect of fatigue, but also show the emotional and psychological effects.  (My wife has Vit B 12 deficiency and increasing fatigue in-between injections) 

Although you work, have they made adjustments for you, if so get the hard evidence from work.

Im not usually keen on multiple PIP applications (personal opinion) but as you’ve tried the appeal process then I would reapply and whilst doing so try and gather as much evidence as possible.  

Good luck.

dp1

Thank you both so much for your replies...you've both given me plenty of good advice. to think about. I have started writing new notes from today. It's not so much about getting extra money now, although obviously that would be helpful while I'm unable to work many hours, but getting someone to actually believe how much this illness affects me.

dp1

Just thought I'd pop back - I had my WCA last Wednesday and have finally been awarded LCWRA yesterday. The whole process has taken so long  - I am very relieved it is now sorted and I should have enough money to live on. As well as the financial side of things, I feel so good that someone actually believed how bad Long Covid can make you feel. The assessor I spoke to last week was lovely and just seemed to get it. Thanks everyone for your contributions.

Cyclamen

I am glad you've got a result you are happy with.

If you decide to go back and reapply for PIP some of the disease/ disability charities have some excellent free guides to help you.  There is a big overlap with long covid and M.E and the M.E association do a booklet that is really useful.  The MS society also has some good info in their booklet.  I found have info tailored to symptoms really useful to help with the wording and make me think about the different symptoms and how they match the criteria