Doesn't anyone know about Universal Credit and sickness but not working?

[Boniwa]

My son left college and is very unwell mentally. He is currently battling suicidal thoughts and has been put on medication (prozac)

I'm struggling financially supporting him but I don't want to put ANY pressure on him. I don't want to risk him feeling a burden or anything :(

Can he claim universal credit? Does he need to get a sick note?

How long can he do that for?

Is it a stressful process?

.

Can I ask how old your son is? Have you looked at helping him to claim Personal Independence Payment?

My son got fit notes from the dr. Once uc accept long term issues, we had 3 month fit note to start process, they can apply using a UC50 form for lcwra. After assessment my son was awarded and no longer needs fit notes nor to look for work. They will reassoat some unspecified point but they will
Let us know when. It took 6 months in total of fit notes from Gp.

Sorry. Adding.
He gets full single persons UC and enhanced payment for lcwra so has extra funds to help support him without the need to sign in or look for work.

Yes he can claim UC but it won’t be much as he can’t claim rent while living with you. Yes if he claims he cannot work due to his health he will have to claim the LCW element by completing the UC50 form - and providing medical evidence and fit notes from the GP. The DWP will assess him and decide whether he might be capable of some work with support (so will eventually be required to look for work) or be determined as not being fit for work or “work related activity” with no requirement to look for work

He's just turned 18.

Ok that's helpful information. Is it mostly paper based?

Can I do it for him?

I suggest he uses Help to Claim and then they will talk him through it. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/help-to-claim/

Thankyou

He's finding it really difficult to engage with anyone right now

You can be his appointee for benefits purposes - as PP suggested call the help to claim advisers and they will talk you through how it all works. You could also look at the PIP criteria to determine if you think your son would be eligible - loads of info on Citizens Advice website