Going back to work…

SirSteven1986

Been off work now 11 months after quite nasty stroke, was awarded pip & lwrca which were a god send as sick pay from work was minimal, I’m getting bit better in some areas now and although I’m not ready yet to work got me wondering on the process, going straight back seems very daunting I dont think could do half the things I once did so would maybe need reduced hours and new role maybe even totally new career, I’m only 39 and don’t want this to be end of my working life but idea of coming straight off gov support is quite scary say I worked 2 shifts and it showed on my earnings what would happen 

TimeLord1

If your original job is still open, talk to your employer, but your PiP is ok, the UC or ESA will be adjusted to the hours you do. Do you have any rent to pay?  

huckster

Nothing would happen if you went back to minimal work. Apart from if you earned more than work allowance under UC, your UC award would reduce by 55 pence for each £1 over the work allowance.
The work allowance amount is a disregard of a certain amount of earnings and is an incentive for
 returning to paid work.

The LCWRA cannot be taken away from you just because you returned to working. Would normally require a new work capability assessment outcome to remove the LCWRA.

As for PIP, again not affected by returning to work, but you would need to report any improvements to your health and what you were able to do. But only once the changes became your normal regular experience. 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Report a change to your needs or circumstances - GOV.UK https://share.google/U9nOdTs4EHyH43P6S

SirSteven1986

I’ve not long been awarded it, yes work have kept my position open they just don’t know what state im in, just been handing in fit notes, no rent atm had to move bk to
parents while get better, work have been messaging me a lot, and atm it’s not worth the hassle or stress ideally I could ease my way bk into it wen feel upto it

TimeLord1

Basically you have a safety net so you can see how you get on.  

KxMx

As you don't claim Housing Element you can earn £684 before UC make their standard deduction.

If your circumstances change and you do claim Housing Element again, the amount is £411. 

Brie

Tell your employer you need an "occupational health assessment" to see what kind of "reasonable adjustments" need to be made in order for you to return to work.   Use the terms I've used.  

They are legal obliged to help you return to work to the best of your capabilities.  You may decide that you don't want to continue working there for whatever reason.  Or they may find that the adjustments required are not actually reasonable. 

Lots of people after a long period off work will be allowed a phased return - i.e. 3 hours a day for the first week, 4 hours for the second and so on, often at full pay.  But that will be noted in the occupational health assessment report.  

PIP won't be effected by you returning to work.  So maybe you can eventually agree to work part time, at a reduced salary and the PIP on top of that will get you through.  

Is there a local stroke group you could discuss this with as well? 
Alternatively you might look here...Life after stroke | Stroke Association

Best of luck with your progress!!!

huckster

It may be worth looking into organisations locally that help those who have suffered strokes to return to working.  Your local Job Centres Disability Employment Advisor may be able to find our about local support if you asked them. Or your Employers may offer support depending on their ability to do so.

Also it might be worth contacting Access to Work, to see if they would pay for say Taxis to travel to work and back home. 

Brie

huckster said:

It may be worth looking into organisations locally that help those who have suffered strokes to return to working.  Your local Job Centres Disability Employment Advisor may be able to find our about local support if you asked them. Or your Employers may offer support depending on their ability to do so.

Also it might be worth contacting Access to Work, to see if they would pay for say Taxis to travel to work and back home. 

Access to Work can be exceedingly helpful if you are unable to drive or use standard public transport.  

elsien

Agree with the OT suggestion and the reasonable adjustments however I would caveat that they are not legally obliged to help the OP back to work in all circumstances- eg if the adjustments are no longer reasonable for them to implement as an employer. 

If they value the OP, they are likely do their best to make it work though. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Good shout with Access to Work, but do be aware the waiting times for even the initial assessment are incredibly long.  And like everything else to do with DWP, be prepared for the possibility of having to fight for what you need.

As well as transport they also are supposed to cover adaptations beyond a certain amount if needed to stay in work.