WCA Aftermath

Riverstone58

Hello!

I have a WCA in the not too distant future after a long wait and I would like some advice on the worst case scenario: if I were to be deemed fit to work what is the immediate aftermath? 

I've been under a fit note for roughly 6 months and will be for the foreseeable future. I recently had a first and brief work focused interview by telephone and apparently this is currently going to be a monthly thing.

If I were to be deemed fit for work but still under a fit note how does that affect things?

Thanks in advance.

tomtom256

If you are found fit for work, the fit note will be ignored. You can request a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal if you disagree with the decision if it doesn't go in your favour.
From an appointment aspect, you should move to a fortnightly appointment, more focussed on getting you into work, but if you get a good work coach, they may tailor your commitments to support you and help ease you into becoming work ready.

poppy12345

Have you taken a look at the descriptors for LCWRA? If not then you can see them here .https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity#:~:text=LCWRA%20descriptors,reasonably%2C%20be%20worn%20or%20used.&text=(ii)%20repeatedly%20mobilise%2050%20metres,of%20significant%20discomfort%20or%20exhaustion.
You will need to be found to have this to receive the extra money. Unless you're claiming with a partner that already receives it. 

LCW descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work

Riverstone58

poppy12345 said:

Have you taken a look at the descriptors for LCWRA? If not then you can see them here .https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity#:~:text=LCWRA%20descriptors,reasonably%2C%20be%20worn%20or%20used.&text=(ii)%20repeatedly%20mobilise%2050%20metres,of%20significant%20discomfort%20or%20exhaustion.
You will need to be found to have this to receive the extra money. Unless you're claiming with a partner that already receives it. 

LCW descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work

Thanks for the replies, and yes I have.

I returned the UC50 a number of months ago. It was a bit of a last minute thing as I needed big help with filling it in and I had to wait quite a while for an appointment at the CAB with the person who deals with these.

To be honest I wasn't that impressed with the result when I read through it later but I had to get it sent back which is why I'm not expecting the best outcome

It's not an issue with getting any extra money but if I am deemed fit to work but still under a fit note am I expected to look for work as in the first reply?

Apart from my main issue of a heart complaint which is why I have a WCA, since then and separately from that I also have an appointment at the hospital to see a surgeon regarding another issue which is causing me a great deal of pain and discomfort to say the least.

I really cannot cope with this as I shun all medical procedures involving anything invasive. This includes blood tests which totally petrify me and send my stress levels through the sky; I totally cry my eyes out when I have had to have these done.

.For these reasons I refused the open heart surgery many years ago which it's now too late for. For my secondary complaint, should it require a general anaesthetic then this wouldn't be possible. I believe it can be done under a spinal anaesthetic but I'm not totally sure, but either way I'm likely to refuse this.

Please don't judge me but I just don't know what to think anymore as I'm worried to death.

tomtom256

I wouldn't worry about the outcome of any WCA until it happens, as you could cause more worry and stress by wondering what if.
Worst case scenario is you have to be seen weekly/fortnightly if you are deemed to be fit for work, as long as you prove you are meeting your commitments, then you should be ok and will continue to receive UC.

poppy12345

If found fit for work please see Tomtoms comment here.

tomtom256 said:

If you are found fit for work, the fit note will be ignored. You can request a mandatory reconsideration and then appeal if you disagree with the decision if it doesn't go in your favour.
From an appointment aspect, you should move to a fortnightly appointment, more focussed on getting you into work, but if you get a good work coach, they may tailor your commitments to support you and help ease you into becoming work ready.

Spoonie_Turtle

Understanding the criteria will help you know whether to challenge a fit-for-work decision, so do make sure you know what you think you should score.  Bear in mind also it's assessed on whether you can do the things repeatedly, safely, and without causing excessive pain/fatigue/etc (a bit like the 'reliably' concept for PIP).

There's also the issue of significant risk of harm if you were not found to have LCW/RA https://www.advicenow.org.uk/know-hows/employment-and-support-allowance-esa-activities-and-descriptors-and-substantial-risk