Universal Credit and Disabilities (PIP). Absolute confusion.

SaitenMar

Hello again. I apologise for the late reply, but I had a recent illness so only now getting around to checking this thread. I really appreciate the help in trying to clear up my confusion, especially from Spoonie_Turtle. I think I understand the process a bit better now. I have rheumatoid arthritis in both knees and ankles, and whilst I know such medical assessments don't consider the condition itself but how it affects you, I did want to put that out there. It obviously affects mobility and the ability to do daily activities so I'm not sure I'd qualify for LCW or LCWRA but at least I understand it better now. 

Sorry if I come across as a bit of an idiot with some of these questions, but there's a lot I find confusing and getting any genuine help is difficult. If I have anymore questions along the line I'd appreciate the help. 

Thanks again for everything. 

SaitenMar

huckster said:

You may receive less from UC if you have deductions in regard to debts that are owed e.g. social fund loan debts, previous benefit overpayments.  Old style JSA was apparently not very robust in making the deductions, whereas with UC it is easier for the deductions to be taken.

If you have no such deductions, then due to transitional protection, then UC should not be less than the JSA you were receiving.

I don't have any debts or previous benefit overpayments that I'm aware of so hopefully I should be fine in that regard. Thanks for informing me about that though. 

SaitenMar

I do have one question in relation to the requirement of a fit note for my application to UC. Having done some research I can't be sure if I'll need one when applying or I don't if I have to have a medical assessment. With it being a long-term condition, would I need to supply a fit note to confirm my condition or should that be part of the health assessment anyway?

I'm going to ask about this at the job centre anyway, I think they should be able to at least help with that but if anyone else knows, I'd very much appreciate it. 

poppy12345

SaitenMar said:

I do have one question in relation to the requirement of a fit note for my application to UC. Having done some research I can't be sure if I'll need one when applying or I don't if I have to have a medical assessment. With it being a long-term condition, would I need to supply a fit note to confirm my condition or should that be part of the health assessment anyway?

I'm going to ask about this at the job centre anyway, I think they should be able to at least help with that but if anyone else knows, I'd very much appreciate it. 

You will need to provide a fit note within 7 days of reporting your health condition. You will need to continue to provide them without any gaps until a decision is made on the assessment. 

I would advise you to use caution when asking for advice from your local JC because they have been known to give incorrect advice many times. 

Spoonie_Turtle

If you're going to report your health condition with a view to having a work capability assessment then yes you'll need one; in practice it is the only medical evidence they accept for having health conditions that affect your ability to work.

If you don't plan to report your health conditions for a WCA then you wouldn't need one.  But that wouldn't be a decision to take lightly, only if you're quite certain you wouldn't qualify for LCW/RA.

SaitenMar

Thanks for your help again poppy12345 and Spoonie_Turtle. I asked at my doctors about getting a fit note but she informed me that they are done online now. I have to go on my doctor's website and request one. Trouble is it asked for a start date (pretty clear) but also an end date and I'm really not sure what to put as an end date due to this being a long term condition. I mean it's not something that's going to go away, I've had it since I was a kid. So does anyone have any ideas on what I should put down? 

There is a section called 'reason for sicknote' which I can put down details but I'm still unclear. 

Thanks again, I know I'm a pain but getting any clear help is tough. 

born_again

When you apply explain the reason you are wanting a Fit Note. Applying for UC  LCW/RA & ask if they can give it for 3 or 6 months. May not with 1st one, but should for later ones.

SaitenMar

born_again said:

When you apply explain the reason you are wanting a Fit Note. Applying for UC  LCW/RA & ask if they can give it for 3 or 6 months. May not with 1st one, but should for later ones.

Thanks, I've sent off my request and just have to wait for a reply now. 

SaitenMar

Update: I got my Fit Note for about two and a half months. I was expecting to have to upload it to the Universal Credit Journal page but that isn't the case and all it tells me is to keep it on hold in case they need it for the future. Not sure when they'll need it for at least I have it now. 

Again, thanks for the help. 

poppy12345

SaitenMar said:

Update: I got my Fit Note for about two and a half months. I was expecting to have to upload it to the Universal Credit Journal page but that isn't the case and all it tells me is to keep it on hold in case they need it for the future. Not sure when they'll need it for at least I have it now. 

Again, thanks for the help. 

That's usually what you need to do. They don't usually ask you to upload it.