Disability and UC

[Indigomint]

I hope somebody here can help. It may be long , so I apologise.

My husband and I claim UC. He is disabled and I am his carer. He is housebound.

He put in a claim for lcwra about a year ago and it was refused , he has asked for a mandatory reconsideration. That is ongoing.

Today he got a message on his journal stating that he must go to the job centre for an appointment and that he may be sanctioned if he doesn't. He's incredibly anxious as he cannot go as he isn't mobile enough and he (obviously) doesn't want to be the reason we struggle (even more) financially.

As far as UC are concerned he's able to work , they refuse to acknowledge his that his disability means that he cannot. I guess that is why a work coach has requested his presence , the reality is very different though. The man cannot put his own socks on for example.

Has anyone been in this position? Does anyone possibly have some advice for us? We feel trapped and unable to help ourselves right now and it's hideous.

You should be able to call CAB at least OP.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/

This site may be able to help guide you OP.

This is the second time in a week I've seen www.benefitsandwork,co,uk promoted on here.

In order to get any useful advice from that site, you have to buy a subscription,
I think it's around £20 but for families reliant on benefits that a lot of money when the information could be accessed for free through the CAB for example.

I have never paid the subscription, just get the free newsletter to keep up with relevant news - I have for years and appreciate that they have never compelled anyone to pay to use the service. I am fortunate that I haven't had to deal with PIP yet, when I do I will upgrade if need be!

It is brilliant and informative. CAB are great but very outnumbered and thin on the ground right now for those who need urgent help.

Fair enough, I wondered if you worked for them or something!

I only clicked on the PIP section and it took me to a payment page and thought blimey I'm not spending most of my food budget on this.

I didn't realise some of the information was free. As you were

@Indigomint if your partner’s ability to work is significantly worse or he has a new condition then he needs to request a new assessment for LCW or LCWRA. The reconsideration decision and any appeal will focus on the day X months ago that the original decision was made, not new conditions. Your partner can do both - so continue challenging that first decision and ask for new assessment.

@SmileyClare

Fair enough, I wondered if you worked for them or something!

I only clicked on the PIP section and it took me to a payment page and thought blimey I'm not spending most of my food budget on this.

I didn't realise some of the information was free. As you were

Fair question - I think it is all volunteer run btw and the sub fee is just to keep the site going but not certain since am just a newsletter recipient!

I love the constant reliability of it and that they have kept going in spite of massive resentment from the government and DWP for the support they provide disabled people. Some of the court cases against DWP over the years have been so shocking and never reported in mainstream press.

Actually it's great if that website support disabled people.

Just from my own limited experience trying to get help from my dh after a bad accident at work, I've realised how little help there is available. I applied for PIP nearly 4 months ago and went to great lengths to provide accurate medical evidence from professionals yet the claim still hasn't been "processed"

I was also told on the PIP phone line "Don't worry if your claim is refused, they usually are but nearly always go through on appeal. It seems like an odd system and you certainly need to battle to be heard!