Fibromyalgia and Universal Credit

[JulietteLeGall]

After getting out of an abusive marriage I have found myself on Universal Credit. He was the breadwinner and I was studying part time to get into my dream career now the D.C. are a bit older.

I took on a part time job in a shop with hours that worked around studying and kids, and DWP were happy that I was working as much as I could (10 hours per week) so it didn't affect my entitlement. I was just about making ends meet.

However my health has really deteriorated and I have found myself with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a bag full of pills and instructions to stop working, which I have, and I am finding I am coping a bit better as the pain is more bearable. However, I am getting in a mess financially as the universal credit alone is just not enough to cover my monthly expenses, even after cutting back.

Is there anything else I would be entitled to does anyone know?

Get this thread moved to Money Matters.
You may be able to get PIP and/or ESA but I don't know much about these.
@AnotherEmma, can you advise?

Pip

Does anyone know what I need to do to get them? I know I could pick up the phone but my anxiety is through the roof at the moment.

You'll need to report a change of circumstances and they'll send to a work assessment , if you pass (and that's a big if) you'll not be expected to look for work ,you do get a bit more which , I reckon they find so many sick or disabled people fit for work. My husband has just been kicked off the work related ESA group, that's for people who are limited to what jobs they can do , because there are very limited jobs he can do. By the time his appeal is held he'll be accessed off retirement.

UC has an element for ESA, you need to provide sick/fit notes etc like you would’ve for esa but your coach should be able to talk you through everything.

And pip too but it’s harder to get, if you have any local organisations that can help fill in the form id take it to them.

Double check your tarrifs on everything and call up places to see if they can reduce bills too. Not sure if there would be any council tax discounts suitable.. no harm in asking.

If you don’t already you might be entitled to council tax reduction.

I presume your uc has been recalculated after the wages. Depending on how severely ill you are you might be able to get an extra element on universal credit limited capability for work related activity. There is no extra money if you are just too ill to work (limited capability for work).

Depending on what you were earning before you might now qualify for free school meals/prescriptions

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/help-with-health-costs/help-with-health-costs/

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/getting-universal-credit-if-youre-sick-or-disabled/

Apply for pip

The system is designed to fuck you over and I expect you'll have a real uphill struggle, I'm sorry to say.

There are two main benefits that are relevant. The aspect of Universal Credit that replaces ESA is for people who are out of work due to disability.

PIP is a disability benefit that in theory is available whether or not you work. It's a notoriously difficult and manipulative assessment process involving contracted-out assessors that routinely lie. IMHO if you apply for PIP you need to from the start plan to go through the whole "mandatory reconsideration" (which usually just rubber-stamps the original rejection) and appeal tribunal process. It's only at the appeal that a large number of claimants get any benefit awarded. The government is counting on claimants giving up before then.

Get as much paperwork as you can to support your claim for PIP. They say (or imply) they will contact your medical professionals but rarely do. If you have letters from specialists and can get a letter from your GP then that will help - especially if they relate to the PIP activities and why you struggle with them.

Hi OP,

Firstly well done on leaving an abusive relationship and pursuing your studies and part time work 💪

As PPs have advised, you may well be eligible for PIP. Some links:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/check-you-are-eligible/
www.pip-assessment.support/#main-menu

If you are likely to be eligible, you could do the application yourself or get help with it - Citizens Advice can help with forms and there are other organisations too. There are some helpful online guides and I could dig out the links if you like.

Ideally you should provide medical evidence, the easiest document to get is your Patient Summary Record (ask receptionist at GP) and also any consultant letters etc.

You're already on UC - do you know if you are in the LCW group? If not you should talk to your work coach about doing a WCA (work capability assessment). You will need to fill in a UC50 and again you can get help with the form if you want.

Housing is often a big expense; are you renting at the moment? Are you in private or social housing?

Lastly apply for Council Tax Réduction if you don't already get it.