How can some people claim UC for long periods?

[ImADanceMom]

I'm genuinely curious.
Last week I had to apply for UC. I had my first interview not long after. I was told I need to commit to looking for more work to earn more in exchange for my UC payments. If I didn't do this I would get sanctioned.
I currently work part time ( due to childcare) but earn a little less than is required to qualify for UC.

My sister also claims UC. She has done for many years. She only has one child who is much older than mine. She doesn't work at all. I'm curious as to how she has been able to keep getting her payments. She has a lot of free time and from what I can see isn't doing much to find work.

Can anyone explain to me how this can be?

I have no idea but a family member was made redundant last year which conincided with being put on a waiting list for a surgical procedure. They can hardly walk and have been signed off work by GP, but really struggling with UC and constantly being told they need to apply for jobs.

Does the child have additional needs? Or could she have LCWRA due to mental/physical health?

No conditions affecting physical or mental health for either of them.

You can be on a kind of long term sick pay on UC. It’s assessed yearly I think.