To feel depressed at the universal credit system?

[BlairWaldorfsHeadband]

Trying to claim UC. I work part time and have mental health problems. I’m pregnant and won’t get SMP because I haven’t been in my job long enough.

The process is overwhelming me. I used to get TC and it was easy to apply for. They want me to bring so many documents and it makes me feel overwhelmed and depressed because I feel like a criminal on trial.

I am convinced I will get nothing and we will lose our home when I give birth. I honestly feel like my kids would be better off without me right now because I can’t even navigate this stupid system for them. I feel like the world is too loud and strong for me and I am weak and can’t sort this.

Can anyone who’s done this advise?

There is advice on claiming UC on the citizens advice page, or you could leave it until Monday and try using citizens advice webchat.
UC is a hard system to navigate, but once in place you can do most changes etc digitally and you might find it easier going forward.
Good luck with the twins and also the claim!

I claimed it when it first came in, I didn’t have DC then but the reason I’ve been put off applying again for PIP is exactly that. The “how do you look after your kids if you have depression?” comments.

I can work but I can only work part time. I’ve tried full time twice and it destroys me and ends up with me getting severely depressed.

LipstickTraces I mean you have to have been in work for 26 weeks, and I won’t have been in work for 26 weeks until week 34

If it helps I went to my husbands interview with him (although sat on the waiting area seats), so he can at least do the waiting with you.
It is a pain in the arse but please see it through. The job centre staff we dealt with have been lovely.

And if you think the result is wrong (ie the benefits calculators online say you should be entitled to something and it's wildly off) do ask for help. Mistakes do happen but can be rectified

I feel like instead of being there to help the system is there to make it difficult

Do you mean you won’t have been in work for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before babies due until week 34? I understand in that case

You should still be fine to make a claim then I think. My MA form said you need to do it within three months of being 26 weeks to get everything you’re entitled too.

Having said that I sent mine off over a month ago and still haven’t heard anything back😡

Yes LipstickTraces

That’s what I’m worried about too, the time it takes!

The system IS designed to make things more difficult op. We have a totally shitty government who have zero interest in helping the vulnerable.

I negotiated it with that in mind and it just made me more determined to make my claim. Like I say, a lot of JC staff despise UC too. It’s a dreadful system all round.

That is a pain about the MA. I would have the payslips you need, form all done etc and then you can send it off ASAP at week 34.

My friend applied for MA and heard back within three weeks. There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to it!

Hi OP, I won't add to the advice, I just wanted to say don't give up with your claim. I honestly believe the system is designed to make it as difficult as possible and as grim as possible in order to put people off claiming. Don't let the bastards grind you dwon. xxx

Down, even!

I just rang my parents up begging them to let us come live with them as a last resort instead of having to go through this and got screamed at about what a stupid worthless person I am.

I feel like I have no options left

Going to PM you about PIP. Stay strong, loads of helpful and experienced posters here.

But you do have options. Just go to your interview and take it from there. Take your partner/a friend along if you’re feeling that anxious. It sounds like your anxiety is through the roof op, but you can do this.

When is your interview scheduled for?

And whilst your parents don’t sound very nice/helpful that’s not really the way to deal with the situation sensibly (I really don’t mean that to sound unkind) Deep breaths and take it one step at a time.

They’re usually helpful but they get fed up of my anxiety. I just want the assurance if it goes wrong that we won’t be homeless.

Interview is next Friday. DPs is Thursday. I feel like the separate interviews are designed to “catch people out” and find ways of denying them the claims but maybe that’s me being a cynic

I know it’s very stressful, but please try not to worry about being “caught out” As long as you and DP tell the truth about your situation you will be fine.

Have you tried using entitled to website to see what you might be eligible for? That can be quite helpful.

The separate interviews are because, even though it's a joint claim, both parts of the couple will have different job seeking "needs" and so requirements and so it makes sense to do that separately, rather than having the other half of the couple hanging round doing nothing. It also allows people to disclose things, like domestic violence, that might have an impact on the claim. It really isn't to catch people out. I would stop worrying about having the claim declined-UC, unlike PIP, is a "catch all" benefit. Everyone who is eligible to live and work here is entitled to the basic amount of UC. The system sucks has teething problems and so it can feel a bit overwhelming but, I promise, you will get paid eventually and the jobcentre staff hate it as much as you.
As for PIP, what I meant is that you need to seek help. Getting it for MH isn't easy but there are charities who know how to jump the hoops.
Btw, have you thought about exploring the "incapable of work related activity" (ESA) component of UC? It sounds like you would qualify for that. I would chat to your jobcentre advisor about getting signed off sick.

I used to get ESA years ago. Full rate and everything because my depression was deemed severe enough.

But it’s been better since and I can do more now, I just can’t do as much as a regular person. I can get out my house and stuff, but some days I can’t due to it. I still get exhausted and drained and have panic attacks but it’s not daily now.

UC will not be back dated. So you will need to fill in the form and go to the interview in person. This is exactly how it works for everyone, so you are not being treated any differently. The people at the office need to calculate that you will receive the correct amount due to your own circumstances (everyone has different circumstances). You will need the money for yourself and your child.

How may children do have already? Are they school age or under and still require care. It can be difficult with one child let alone twins.

Take your time with the form and try to get regular relaxation - putting your feet up for an hour or so.

One child who is in pre school.

I am nervous about the interview. Is it worth me taking my doctors letters with me? They haven’t asked for them but it might help explain the situation.

In terms of doctor's letters they won't need them as you're pregnant anyway- because you're pregnant, you won't have any job seeking/working requirements anyway up to 15 weeks after the birth and, presuming you're the primary carer for your babies, up to their first birthday. This should give you a bit of a breather. Beyond that point, them being aware of your medical conditions is a good idea, as it'll have an impact on the kind of work related activity you'll be expected to do. I suspect that they'll also encourage you do appeal the PIP.

Op do you already have a child if so CANCEL YOUR UC APPLICATION immediately.
Also do you currently claim tax credits?

Yes I’m the primary carer. DP is also worried they will ask him to change his job, because his hours aren’t stable, but he likes his job because they offer flexibility which helps when I am unwell