I have recently applied for Universal Credit and my Work Coach has asked me to get a fit note due to my long list of health issues.I don't know if I'm supposed to ask my doctor to sign me off or just to say I am limited in what I can do.
Has anyone any experience of this please.
Thanks
I’d ask for a note to say you can’t work at all - sounds as though your work coach wants to start you on what they call the “health journey”. And that they will turn off or go east on work related requirements while that happens. You will get a self assessment form called a UC50 to complete and will have a face to face or telephone/video assessment from a health professional (nurse, physio, paramedic usually). If you’re assessed as having “limited capability for work related activity” you get more money. If you’re assessed as having “limited capability for work” you don’t get any more money and you may be asked to undertake “work related activity” - this is anything the work coach thinks might help you get into work, but you can’t be made to apply for jobs. UC conditionality can be pretty brutal and sanctions are increasing. The benefits and work website is excellent, especially if you can afford to subscribe. Citizens Advice May be able to help with the UC50 form or you can check if there is a local welfare rights service. I’m a welfare rights adviser btw.
That's really helpful thankyou
I had all this when my now husband lost his job in COVID and we (age 63 and 62) had to claim UC. We both have some health issues so we had to fill forms in then had telephone assessments. My husband got his decision 8 days later that he no longer had to look for a job and had limited capability for work and work related activities. 15 weeks later I got my decision that although they recognised I had health issues I was fit to do some kind of work so I had to keep looking and then signed me up to go once a week to a place to help me find 1.I have osteoporosis with a spinal fracture among other things.
Cutting a long story short I had to keep getting fit notes from my doctor and had to attend the job centre. The next year I had a low level fall whilst getting out of the car and broke my shoulder. A few weeks after this at 63 and another assessment later I finally got the decision I no longer had to look for work.
Make sure you declare the fit notes on your UC journal
Thank you for your advice. I'm the same age!
I broke my shoulder diagnosed with osteoporosis. Work full time teaching and happy to do it. Volunteer for summer camps and coach tennis. Working can be good for your mental health. Think of what you can do not what you can't. Call centres need staff. I have two friends who are full time nurses with osteoporosis .
Yes, I agree but I have a long list of other health issues in addition to osteoporosis, scoliosis and compression fractures unfortunately.
Hi, I've been through this and found Benefits and Work newsletter and people very helpful. Sign up for their newsletter and see if they suit you. Advice is by very low cost annual subscription. Good luck.
Thankyou, I'll have a look
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