UC - commitments increase AFTER sick note

[containsnuts]

Making my first claim for UC on health grounds and totally confused and frustrated by the process.

I explained my diagnosis at first interview and was asked to commit to just 6 hours of Work Related Activity a week and told I probably wouldn't need to do any once I submitted Fit Note evidence. The problem is, since I've given them my Fit Note for some reason they have now increased my commitments from 6 to 16 hours a week. I thought this was a mistake and queried via my journal but was told, yes, I have to agree to these hours, no negotiation, or my claim will be closed.

Is this normal? What was the point of the fit note if they are just going to ignore it and decide for themselves what I can/cant do? If I could sit by the computer for 16 hours a week I'd be bloody working - the whole point is that I'm supposed to be off sick!

Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice/experience much appreciated. x

Ask for a work capability assessment, if you're unable to work, you are unable to seek work and you should be assessed as such. Keep handing in the fit notes. Keep commenting on your journal. Apply for jobs but state that you are unable to work at the moment due to health reasons.

Unfortunately, you aren't exempt from work search until after you have had a work capability assessment and been found to have either Limited Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work Related Activity. Your work coach is meant to exercise discretion while you're handing in sick notes, and if you're being asked to do things that are going to put you at risk you could make a complaint and ask your MP for their suport

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I've filled-out the work capability assessment form but I'm told that the process will take several months. In the meantime, I have to do 16 hours or risk being sanctioned which seems a bit unreasonable when you have a medical note that states 'unfit for work'.

All the clients I have helped have been assessed pretty quickly after sending back the UC50 form and received a decision pretty soon after. It may be several months in some areas but not all.

Could you ask for a change of work coach maybe. from the people I have helped through the process recently most have been left alone with few work commitments whilst waiting for assessment. they do seem to be getting a bit harsher generally though.