Would my benefits stop if I come off my medication

[Mayafox]

I get universal credit because I’m classed as limited capability for work, I’ve got mental health problems and I’m on medication

However I want to come off the medication because I have horrible side effects but would I not be classed as limited capability anymore?

I asked this on Reddit and someone said it won’t affect my benefits butI still just wonder how I can be classed as limited capability without the medication as evidence

I knew a girl at work who lived on her own and got benefits and I don’t think she had mental health problems

Your diagnosis is the deciding factor not your prescription.

What does your last paragraph have to do with anything?

Talk to your doctors first - you health really is the priority. There might be other drugs to try

I think realistically if you have mental health problems to the level that you qualify for the limited capacity to work group you need to be talking to your medical team about the side effects uour having and the best count of action. Don’t just stop your medication

Speak to your doctor or other clinician about your medication if your mental illness is so bad you've been assessed as limited capacity for work.

The priority needs to be your mental health and getting the right support or medication.

Oh okay so even without the medication I still have the diagnosis as evidence

I just thought the fact she gets universal credit without mental health problems is more hopeful for me when I want to be off the drugs

Your limited capability status stays, I think, until you are reassessed and I don't think they are doing reassessments at present.

I was thinking of just not telling them but I guess it’s best to be more honest then if they do assessments!

You only need to tell them when you're reassessed. It's not a change of diagnosis, it's not a change in the way your condition effects you, so they don't need to know. If you do get a reassessment don't tell them unless they ask. Don't lie on the paper form, but don't make a big deal out of it either. You're benefit should be based on your needs (how your condition effects you), not on what medication you're prescribed.

Okay thanks a lot!

Are you in the LCW group? Or LCWRA?
I'm LCW, which I don't get any 'extra' money for, but I don't have to job search. Stopping my medication didn't affect this.

NO NO NO

Please don’t tell them.
What you need to tell them is a CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES - is your health getting better or worse p. Not changes in medications.

Your diagnosis hasn’t changed. Your difficulties haven’t changed. You do NOT need to tell them anything.

I would however have a chat with GP, decide of tte best course of action for you, incl a review once you’ve stopped (or maybe changed the meds)

If you still meet the criteria for LCWRA you don't need to tell them anything