If you have a health condition then there are several things to think about:
- If you do not already have a Limited Capability for Work status whether you should have a Work Capability Assessment.
- Ensuring any work related requirements in your Claimant Commitment are realistic given your health condition.
- Ensuring that the UC system works for you.
If you have a Limited Capability for Work
If you have a Limited Capability for Work Status, then
- You will have reduced conditionality, you will not be expected to work or look for work, although you my be expected to carry out certain work preparation activities
- You may be entitled to a LCW/LCWRA Element in your UC award.
- If you (or your partner) work, then you would be entitled to a work allowance meaning that some of your earnings would be ignored.
- If your partner is working and you pay for Childcare, then you may be entitled to the Childcare Costs Element.
- If you have a Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activities (LCWRA) then you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap.
Getting Limited Capability for Work Status
If you do not already have a Limited Capability for Work status, then you will need to have a Work Capability Assessment.
Even though your health may affect your ability to work or look for work, you will not have this status unless the DWP has assessed you and notified you that you have a Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or a Limited Capability for Work Related Activities.
If you were on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) immediately before you claimed UC, then the Work Capability status from your ESA award should have transferred to your Universal Credit award.