Are there any options for people like my relatives?

[ThatSnappyUser]

I have two different family members who are about to recieve letters migrating them over to universal credit, Worried what will happen with both of them.

One has severe mental health problems, he doesn't have a computer, smart phone, tablet, laptop etc, he does have an old keypad phone and will not read or reply to messages, lucky if he answers the phone at all when it rings (trust me.. tired for almost 8 hours when his dad had died and still couln't get hold of him)

the other has ASD and possible mental health issues and one second he has a phone, the other second he's got rid of it because people are 'tracking him' then he has a phone again but with a different number, then he gets rid of it again, known him to have five numbers in one week recently and this week he has none, doesn't process letters or information at all, he could get a letter saying he had won 12 million and had a week to claim it, he still wouldn't open the letter..

I'm not on UC myself so have no idea how this will work when they have to interact with their journal or attend appointments etc

How do people like my relatives go on with it?

Would they give you or another relative POA?

It's difficult. Get POA if possible, or get a tech savvy family member to set it up using their mobile number etc to keep an eye on notifications (not ideal either).

DM is entitled to UC but never keeps up with the paperwork so I do it all now (she's happy with me opening letters etc). Honestly before I stepped in she had it stopped a few times or was sanctioned for not replying to requests in her journal/going in for appointments.

They both sound like they need additional support. Do they have carers? Are they with any support agencies or charities?

If you can, arrange a needs assessment for both of them with social services as I'd be surprised if they can take care of themselves.

You can phone Rethink regarding mental health support and advice and the Autism Society regarding the person with ASD.

You can also contact the DWP to ask for advice.

My DS is autistic and claims UC and PIP. I'm his appointee and have set up everything for him. He had to attend a Jobcentre appointment when he first claimed, but he once he was awarded LCWRA, he only gets occasional Journal messages and has never needed to attend another appointment (his LCWRA and PIP assessments were paper-based). The money arrives into his bank account every month and there is a monthly statement which shows how it was worked out, but there is nothing he needs to do on a regular basis. I know his UC login and I check his account occasionally. When there is a new message he gets an email (but I receive it as I have set up email forwarding) so that lets me know if I have to check anything.