Fibro + reducing work hours + benefits

[TheHound86]

I’m a single mother on tax credits. I work 16 hours a week but am massively struggling with pain and exhaustion and finding it really hard to do the job at the moment. The doctor has just given me a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If I reduce my working hours can I claim universal credit? I’ve heard so many stories about people who give up work and can’t claim any benefits and I can’t afford for that to happen. I still need some income but I’m in so much pain trying to work the hours I do.

If you drop below 16 hours on tax credits you will lose working tax credits. i guess you are already aware of that. I don't know if you would be penalized on Uc for dropping hours but you could switch over and if earnings less than 16 x nmw then you can hand in sick notes ( the sick note should perhaps say that you can only work very limited hours due to your condition). As long as earnings on Uc are less than 16 x nmw you can ask to be assessed for work capability which may mean if you were awarded the higher rate of LCWRA ( Limited capability for work and work related activity) after assessment this would give you extra money on your claim in recognition that you are limited by illness as to what hours you can do. Of course there is no guarantee you will be awarded LCWRA, you may just be awarded LCW which is no extra money ! It's a tricky system.
If you claimed and were awarded PIP ( another very slow process) then you could be assessed for LCW/ LCWRA regardless of earnings or hours worked.

Sorry so to summarize yes you could claim UC, you would get some money from UC and can ask to be assessed- make sure you declare your health condition on the initial application and submit sick notes once earning less than 16 x nmw. have a look at the PIP descriptors too and see if an application for PIP might be worthwhile.

Thank you. I have requested a sick note for limited hours from the doctor this morning so if I can get their support I will look into reducing my hours.

You should definitely apply for PIP and get some help when filling in the form (it is huge!). Start a notebook detailing everything you are finding hard, are unable to do, or if you do exert yourself the consequences on your pain and activity in the following days.
Gather any medical information that you can from GP to support your claim for including any regular prescriptions. If you see any other health professionals (eg physio) then include them on the form.

I have started keeping a diary although it’s depressing to read back over it and see how much I can struggle.