[Gusto Brunt]

Anyone know about this DWP Limited Capability for Work thing?

I have a friend she's been on Universal Credit for a year. Hates attending courses and Job Centre interviews. Not because she doesn't want to work or is lazy but she has difficulty going out due to a recent Autism and Agoraphobia diagnosis by her doctor.

Doctor told her she has to tell the DWP and the doc gave her a note which isn't a sick note, it's some sort of thing that says my friend has difficulities and cannot attend courses or interviews.

Question is, she doesn't know if she has to tell the DWP she is on the sick, 'cause the doc said it's not a sick note.

Can anyone help? I'm clueless too.

Cheers.

[Barry.]

Sorry my auntie and mum helped me with mine. Does she has support around her? I think calling them wouldn’t hurt

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Barry.

Sorry my auntie and mum helped me with mine. Does she has support around her? I think calling them wouldn’t hurt

No, Barry. She doesn't. Only a few friends. She's just been recently diagnosed but she says she's been like that all her life. I've always thought she was just an introvert and a bit shy.

[Ammi]

…so this is what the overview says, Gusto….

A doctor's note (fit note) stating inability to attend courses due to a health condition should be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of a Universal Credit claim or if already claiming, to update your Claimant Commitment. This evidence can help demonstrate how your health condition affects your ability to work and participate in required activities, like attending courses.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Fit Notes and Universal Credit:
If a health condition or disability limits your capability for work, you'll need to provide medical evidence, such as a fit note, to the DWP. This is especially important if you're required to participate in work-related activities as part of your Universal Credit claim, like attending courses.

Reporting a Health Condition:
You should report your health condition to the DWP as soon as possible, either when making a claim or if it develops later. You can do this through your online account, by phone, or at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Claimant Commitment:
Your Claimant Commitment is a record of the work-related activities you've agreed to do to receive Universal Credit. If your health condition affects your ability to meet these commitments, you should inform your work coach and provide updated medical evidence, such as a fit note.

Work Capability Assessment:
If your health condition is expected to affect your ability to work for more than 7 days, you may be referred for a Work Capability Assessment to determine your level of capability for work.

Fit Note Details:
A fit note will indicate whether you are "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work". If it states "may be fit for work," your work coach will discuss potential adjustments to your Claimant Commitment or work requirements.

Importance of Regular Reviews:
It's crucial to keep your work coach informed of any changes to your health condition and to provide updated medical evidence as needed. This helps ensure your Claimant Commitment is appropriate and that you receive the support you need

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Ammi

…so this is what the overview says, Gusto….

A doctor's note (fit note) stating inability to attend courses due to a health condition should be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of a Universal Credit claim or if already claiming, to update your Claimant Commitment. This evidence can help demonstrate how your health condition affects your ability to work and participate in required activities, like attending courses.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Fit Notes and Universal Credit:
If a health condition or disability limits your capability for work, you'll need to provide medical evidence, such as a fit note, to the DWP. This is especially important if you're required to participate in work-related activities as part of your Universal Credit claim, like attending courses.

Reporting a Health Condition:
You should report your health condition to the DWP as soon as possible, either when making a claim or if it develops later. You can do this through your online account, by phone, or at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Claimant Commitment:
Your Claimant Commitment is a record of the work-related activities you've agreed to do to receive Universal Credit. If your health condition affects your ability to meet these commitments, you should inform your work coach and provide updated medical evidence, such as a fit note.

Work Capability Assessment:
If your health condition is expected to affect your ability to work for more than 7 days, you may be referred for a Work Capability Assessment to determine your level of capability for work.

Fit Note Details:
A fit note will indicate whether you are "not fit for work" or "may be fit for work". If it states "may be fit for work," your work coach will discuss potential adjustments to your Claimant Commitment or work requirements.

Importance of Regular Reviews:
It's crucial to keep your work coach informed of any changes to your health condition and to provide updated medical evidence as needed. This helps ensure your Claimant Commitment is appropriate and that you receive the support you need

Thanks for that. I'll ask her if what she has is a fit note. Then report back. Cheers.

[Ammi]

…this is more government information on work capability assessments…

https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions...ion-disability

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

Thanks for that. I'll ask her if what she has is a fit note. Then report back. Cheers.

…yeah, it seems to be a fit note now as opposed to a sick note of back in the day…and I guess that’s so that the government official buggers can sanction wherever they want to…

[Ammi]

…but yeah, let us know it goes for her, Gusto…and wishing her well and hoping that it doesn’t cause her too much stress…she has you for support, though……

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Ammi

…yeah, it seems to be a fit note now as opposed to a sick note of back in the day…and I guess that’s so that the government official buggers can sanction wherever they want to…

Yeah she said she's worried that she will still have to go to interviews and on courses, DESPITE having this note.

Originally Posted by Ammi

…this is more government information on work capability assessments…

https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions...ion-disability

I'll report back. Thanks for the link.

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Ammi

…but yeah, let us know it goes for her, Gusto…and wishing her well and hoping that it doesn’t cause her too much stress…she has you for support, though……

She has always worked from home. That's how I met her, because her husband bought a wig from my hair business and me, her and him have kept in touch as they live locally and he still buys two wigs a year.r

Cheers.

[Gusto Brunt]

PS. She lost her job from home last year, sadly.

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

PS. She lost her job from home last year, sadly.

…awwwww, and she won’t be alone in anything she’s going through either…has she been assigned a specific person at the DWP that she feels more comfortable talking to and who maybe she could speak to on the phone or through email as a starting point…?…

[Barry.]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

No, Barry. She doesn't. Only a few friends. She's just been recently diagnosed but she says she's been like that all her life. I've always thought she was just an introvert and a bit shy.

Now she’s been diagnosed she could get more help from her council like OTs and a psychiatrist to help her through

[Beso]

She shouldn't have to attend..all will be fine.

[Cherie]

If she is on UC she should ask her work coach about it

Not sure they will give it to her given she was recently working from home though, sounds like she is capable of working? just not going out of the home to do it if I am reading you correctly

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Barry.

Now she’s been diagnosed she could get more help from her council like OTs and a psychiatrist to help her through

You'd think that, but...

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Cherie

If she is on UC she should ask her work coach about it

Not sure they will give it to her given she was recently working from home though, sounds like she is capable of working? just not going out of the home to do it if I am reading you correctly

Yes that's about right.

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by Beso

She shouldn't have to attend..all will be fine.

She's not so sure though.

[Gusto Brunt]

UPDATE:
I was talking to her this morning and she said she's very unhappy with the doctor's note, that is neither a doctor's sick note or a fit note. It simply says (Name) should be excused from Job Centre interviews and potential job seeking courses, also travelling on public transport due to her SUSPECTED autism and social anxiety. We both laughed as I said it sounded like a note your mum would write to be excused from school PE.

I've not seen it though, this is what she is telling me.

Well I've had horror stories about the DWP and they're cold as steel. I agreed when she said that note won't cut any ice with the DWP. They'll probably just ignore it.

Thanks for your replies.

[Cherie]

In this day and age it shouldn't be necessary to go to interviews in person, she should speak with her work coach and explain the situation, that she is happy to apply for work from home jobs but may due to her issues be unable to attend an interview in person, she is showing willing to take on work, its no different to someone with mobility issues not being able to take on a job that includes alot of walking they should be able to accommodate her

[Ammi]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

UPDATE:
I was talking to her this morning and she said she's very unhappy with the doctor's note, that is neither a doctor's sick note or a fit note. It simply says (Name) should be excused from Job Centre interviews and potential job seeking courses, also travelling on public transport due to her SUSPECTED autism and social anxiety. We both laughed as I said it sounded like a note your mum would write to be excused from school PE.

I've not seen it though, this is what she is telling me.

Well I've had horror stories about the DWP and they're cold as steel. I agreed when she said that note won't cut any ice with the DWP. They'll probably just ignore it.

Thanks for your replies.

…hey Gusto…yeah, I agree with Cherie, I think the first step would be for your friend to speak with her work coach who already knows her situation and anxieties etc… and she can also copy the GP note to her coach to see what their thoughts are of whether they feel it would be acceptable or what would be required if they don’t feel it would meet the requirement, you know…?..…I think it’s also that thing of trying not to pre-empt anxieties and pitfalls etc and just take it step by step…if this note isn’t acceptable then she can find out what is needed and then speak to her GP again/just a process of walking through it…?…and the DWP can’t ignore if she’s met and provided everything they’ve asked for so just one bit at a time and for her really and for her to try not to cross any bridges that cause anxieties before she gets to them….really, good luck to her……

[Barry.]

Originally Posted by Gusto Brunt

You'd think that, but...

Well yeah nowadays its harder to get to see someone. I lost a few people I u\sed to see because of budget cuts

[Beso]

I've just remembered.....the Drs note is meaningless as the dwp get thier own doctors and nurses to calll you to ask questions then it's them that make the decision based on your answers.

I say meaningless but it will probably hold a little sway.