Work capability assessment. Bereavement.

[AddingToTheStress]

I get a small amount of UC.
DH was cremated 2 weeks ago. He was early 50’s.
The Dr has signed me off and just put bereavement on the last sick note. When I uploaded it the info it was accepted, but now I’ve had a message to say I need to fill in a form for a work capability assessment.
How heartless is that?

I will say that I was off a little before his death due to stress and anxiety as DH was suffering a long drawn out ending and it was all quite distressing and traumatic.

When my latest fit note ends I will have been off for 6 weeks in total.
I don’t feel ready to go back but feel UC is forcing me back.

I’ve just read a thread where people have said they were off 4 or 6 months following a death. I will have had 3 weeks after death and they are assessing me to see if I’m work worthy.I feel more distressed now after the message on my journal than I did before I got the notification.

I don’t know why I’m posting, I just feel all muddled and panicky and no clue where to go from here really. Dealing with his death is hard, being judged for needing time off for his death is distressing. Does anyone who has filled one of these capability questionnaires have any advice on what to put please?
TIA.

DWP guidelines is that they are supposed to start the work capability process by the 28th day of sickness absence. That's why you have the form.

From how you have described yourself - your aim would be to achieve limited capability for work and work related activity status. Also known as LCWRA. You will get paid an additional amount of money each month. Most importantly you will be left alone - no Job Centre Appointments with a Work Coach, and no work searching.

This status is given for a set period of time and can be reviewed. So it'll give you the time and space you need.

How to achieve it? You need to focus on the mental/ cognitive part of the form - I think from q11 on? I would focus on the questions surrounding Coping with Change, Coping Socially and Getting About. There may be others, but can't think off the top of my head. Focus on how the bereavement makes you feel. You need to be blunt - if you aren't motivated to dress, eat, put it. I would add a supplementary sheet explaining (this is key) that being found fit for work AND work related activity would put your already poor mental health at substantial risk of deterioration. Do you have children you care for? If so point out that the rigours of work searching or work related activity would put them at substantial risk too, because you will not cope with the added pressure.

Good luck!

If you don't get LCWRA status. Request a mandatory reconsideration on your journal. You'll likely get turned down again - you'll need to then request an appeal.

Thank you silky that is really helpful.

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you're not ready to go back. The forms are necessary admin. They are not judging you. Fill them in with a friend and take the time you need.

I'm glad you've had good practical advice, but my god, what a callous and twisted system it is. I'm so sorry.