DWPhelp Rules

Me and my husband are in a difficult place. He's disabled and needs care and my mental health has rapidly declined meaning I can't manage this anymore.

He has moved in with his mum who can look after him better than me. He has joined the ​tenancy agreement at her house, mostly so they can get the adaptations to the house that are required but he is also staying there all of the time.

I'm in the process of taking him off the tenancy agreement on my place. All the bills were already in my name. I've started claiming as a single person and his mum has done the same for him. I did speak to someone at the job centre who said separate claims is what we should do.

I don't know if this is actually the right thing to be doing? Currently our relationship is in ruins but we have no plans for a divorce any time soon. And once either/both of us are doing better we hope to be together again and heal things. So if in a year or whatever we move back together and continue our relationship will we have to pay back money? Or should it still be a joint claim now as we aren't planning a divorce? Does still seeing each other a few times a week impact this?

I'm probably over thinking all of this, I'm just finding it all overwhelming

Thanks!

Got award pip with enhanced mobility, but 7 points in daily living (2 points in food prep).

Assessors report says "evidence notes you cannot prep or cook food due to crutches and balancing on one leg....I decided you need an aid to cook and prep food"

Isn't this a direct contradiction when with my aid (crutches) I can't cook or prep simple meals?

For context I can't cook or prep at all only can warm in microwave. This means I should definitely be in the 8 point band or at least 4 point.

Do you guys think I should go for the MR or do I risk losing my enhanced mobility award?

Any advice appreciated

Please help. If my assessment period is 01 of the month until the end. I put in my claim declaring my health condition on the 01st and submitted fit note dating from 01st. The work coach couldn't see the fit note so made me submit it again on the 08th July but it was still dated from the 01st july. When will my first payment be because universal credit are saying first assessment period don't count as it when it shows as submitted on the system which is the 05th July even though dated from 01st

I've been self employed on universal credit for years. I'm expected to work at least 30 hours a week currently, this wasn't a problem at all to begin with, and although my earnings are up and down, I mostly earn above my minimum floor income every month. Then about 6 months ago I experienced something traumatic and have since then been struggling more than I ever have before, I find asking for help very hard but a few months ago I forced myself to go to my GP who I haven't seen in a decade and am now on medication for depression and anxiety which is starting to help, however day to day life is still draining and the amount of work I've been able to get done has dramatically dropped, luckily I have the occasional good day and try and work all day as I don't know how long this feeling will last, because of this my earnings are about a 1/3 of what I normally earn and i'm starting to get into debt and the atress of that is making my mentapd health worse. As I'm not good at asking for help I haven't informed UC of any of this and don't know where to begin, I've googled about what extra help I could receive but I don't quite understand what I have to do. I don't want to be signed off sick, ideally I would just like my minimum income floor lifted so I don't have to struggle to pay bills and buy food when I have a low income month. I'm extremely anxious about having to explain this to UC and feel like I'll be treated like a scrounger tbh. Do I start with asking my GP for a fit note? And what happens after that, I'm assuming I'll have to have a work capability assessment? How bad are these and how do they go?

Sorry for all the rambling, any advice would be helpful. Thankyou.

For some context I have PTSD and extreme anxiety whenever I step foot outside of my house. I had been attacked by several men when I was walking home from college in broad daylight, on my own street which has forever scarred me, and left me feeling as if I’m going to be attacked whenever I’m by myself.

I’ve seen clinical psychologists and psychotherapists who have both confirmed PTSD diagnosis and so on.

I applied for PIP about two months ago and did my in person assessment two weeks ago and have received my requested written report from said assessment.

I’m just really confused because whilst I’ve received only 4 ‘points’ (since it’s not the official decision - I’m not sure these are considered points just yet) for the Daily living component, the assessor has ticked ‘Cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another person, assistance dog or orientation aid’ - which is worth 10 points.

In order to qualify for the standard rate of the mobility section of PIP you have to score 8 - 11 on it…

So since I’ve been ticked for the 10 point response, would that then mean the decision to grant me PIP for the standard mobility rate will be highly likely or could this just get thrown out in the final decision process? As well as this (another question) could the assessor look at the daily living component and reward me more for what they see fit (when looking at evidence, notes from assessor etc.).

I suppose I’m trying to find out whether this written assessment is the only evidence that’s taken into account when it comes the scoring system of PIP, or whether the decision maker could add points/take them away when going though everything considered.

ALSO!! When you received your written reports back, did the scoring differ from what the assessor had ticked in comparison to the decision maker, or were they the same??

I’m just so confused with this, since I’m new to it and am really praying that I can at least get something to help me live my life.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all so much 💜🫶 (Really appreciate what you all do!)

I had my first appointment with my work coach last week. We spent a good chunk of time reviewing my situation, and she was (luckily) very sympathetic. the plan was for me to update my CV and explore the S2S website before my next appointment this Thursday, which I have done. She also referred my details to someone else on the team (a disability advisor, or something along those lines?) to see if he could help me in any way.

She said I needed to be looking for remote work, or hybrid jobs based exclusively in my town, and spending 16 hours per week searching/preparing for work. The thing is, the jobs that fall under that category that I qualify for are very few and far between. Because of my age, lack of experience, and situation, there are VERY few remote opportunities I've found that are suitable for me, and hybrid work in my town seems virtually nonexistent. Therefore, of all the listings I've looked at, there hasn't been a single one that I would be able to do.

I wasn't too concerned by this, as I had mentioned this to my work coach at my initial appointment, and she completely understood. She explained that she could be more flexible with the hours because of my situation and acknowledged that it would be more difficult to find suitable opportunities for me. However, earlier today, my appointment was changed and is now with a different person.

I got very lucky with the first work coach I saw. I'm worried that I won't be as lucky this time. I'm guessing I'll have to explain everything over again. I don't know how to prove I've been looking for work, and I've spent way more than 16 hours searching this past week because I'm so stressed out at the thought of turning up to the appointment with no applications to show for it. What do I do?

Can anyone help me,Is there anything I can do to get my health assessment faster as been waiting more than 4 years for my board.

Hi all, so I’ve recently been awarded LCW for anxiety, depression and adhd, I had only gave in two months of sick notes before I got the work capability assessment and obviously all this takes a while to go through so was still partaking in job searches and meeting with my work coach every 2 weeks, I’ve tried multiple times to work in various different jobs and always end up quitting after a few days because it’s too much for me, I get emotionally burnt out very easily, (awaiting counselling for my issues) I’m also very high masking, and a really bad people pleaser, so I can come across quite the opposite of depressed and anxious when you meet me in person, but as soon as I get back in the car I’m a completely different person. I met with my work coach a few days ago and she was really confused as to how I have been awarded LCW and even said “honestly I don’t think you need it” after she said this i explained to her that I’m currently awaiting counselling and do have issues behind closed doors that I don’t tend to show in person, she then changed up her tune and started saying she couldn’t understand how I had it because I only have two months of fit notes and even messaged her manager to see if I should be getting it, she’s also kept me on fortnightly appointments and have said we will still continue 15 hours a week of job searching to find something more suitable for me. Is this allowed with LCW? Can a work coach overrule the decision of me getting LCW? It’s honestly really upset me as I feel like I spend my life trying to get people to believe that I am actually struggling and nobody ever does and for someone in that profession to doubt me makes me wonder if it’s all in my head and I’m over exaggerating my issues.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

I put through for a MR and I know it can take up too 15 weeks or longer but I'm just wondering has anyone heard sooner from them? I feel like I'm constantly stressed sat waiting for a letter or some sort of a response.

08000720244 Does anyone have any idea why this number would have phoned me? Or what they'd be wanting to speak to me about? Had a missed call, no text, no voicemail. Google says its dwp. My pip doesn't run out until 2027. I've just sent my foster son's pip forms as he's moving from dla. I know this might sound like a stupid question but I've been freaking about this all day and I don't feel like I can ring them back at the minute. Thanks in advance if anyone has any ideas.

hi all

sorry i’m a little confused about backpay, does everyone receive it?

i had my award text on Monday and i rang PIP today to confirm and they confirmed I have enhanced on both and my first payment will be the 27th for around £730 which makes sense for enhanced on both

i just wondered if i could expect a backpay? i sent off my form on the 30th sep, so does that mean i can expect backpay from that date up to my award date? i don’t mind waiting a few days for the payment as i know it can take a few days

i just want to make sure i’m getting the backpay that i’m expecting, i haven’t received my award letter just yet

Thanks! :)

My kid’s tribunal is this week can I bring them. DLA.

Hi, I am new to universal tax credit, I was meant to be payed my second payment yesterday but I haven’t received anything or heard any reason as to why I haven’t been payed.

I was meant to have a work search review last Friday via a phone call, as previously agreed with my work coach a week before. It turns out this meeting was listed as in person on the journal and I missed it as I wasn’t aware there was a difference in the listings of in person and phone reviews. If I was aware I would have messaged to make sure it was on the phone as agreed. The reason for a phone call was because I’m a full time college student and my work coach didn’t want me to miss college.

I did list this as the reason why I missed the appointment and my work coach then scheduled a phone appointment for this Friday. I haven’t received a statement confirming payments for this month nor have I received the payment that should have been received yesterday. I did add a message in my journal but have not had any reply. I rely on the payment to travel to college as I’m not able to work due to illness. Is there a clear reason why the payment hasn’t gone through?

I apologise if I’m missing out details, I am new to the process.

I haven’t had an assessment in a good few years now (since before COVID and lockdown) but I’ve been wondering the next time I have one will I have to have it face to face or can I do it over the phone, or can they just send a form to my home address for me to fill in? I’m on support group ESA btw.

Based in Portsmouth area. UC

While doing my uc review I accidently sent them the wrong documents so they put a task on to upload everything again.

After that I had to get rid of my old Sim and wait for a new one to arrive. In the time it took my sim to arrive my account is suspended and I can't change my number.

First time I called the helpline the first guy said he could change my password through him and was a 20 minuet call.

I try logging in and nothing has changed so I call again. The second person explains that they can't change anything on my account and can't put a message on there.she also informs me my account has been suspended due to ignoring tasks. I stated I would like to fill out a formal complaint about the first call as he disnt verbalise that he infact couldnt change my details and also didnt tell me about the state of my account. Right before filling out the form complaint they hang up.

Call for the third time. I'm told I will reserve an email when a in person apointment to change my phone number is available. Was told they don't know when that will be and they can't give a time frame. I asked that I been linked over to the reviews team that's suspended my account and been told I can't do that until my number is sorted.

So.... i can't change my number on the phone, I can't change my phone number online, I can't contact the team that's revieinh my account and I can't even put a message across that I had no idea this was happening or why it's happening.

My payments have stopped and I need to pay my rent, bills and tax soon. I feel hopeless and had no control over any of this. I had to get rid of that sim to stop contact with abusive family members. I finally get a new number and I'm told all my money has stopped and there's nothing I can do? Please help if you know how too, my mental health is already bad and this feels like the tip over the edge. If I can't make these payments it will cripple me.

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone had their timeline with Ingeus. They received my report last Monday. If anyone had any information on their own timeline how long it took after? If they was successful or not? Thank you

Hi,

I’m in a very unstable living situation as I’m living in a house I own with my abusive ex-partner who is refusing to sell the property in order to keep control over me (even though I live here).

I feel on edge constantly and was wondering if I was to move out into rented accommodation would I be eligible for Housing Benefit or is it an automatic no because I own a property even though it’s an abusive situation?

I currently claim Universal Credit with LCWRA if that matters?

Thank you!

Hi all,

I have a home visit booked in tomorrow from DWP to check ID for universal credit claim, and I’m super nervous about it. I think this is only to check my ID, but will they need to actually come in my house?

The reason I’m asking is because my whole house is an absolute tip 😔 it’s so bad… and I’ve been trying to tidy today but pushing through a fibro flare up and now my anxiety is at an all time high that they’re going to need to come IN my house and it’s almost impossible to even get through the front door at the moment… 😭

Can I just ask them to wait at the door whilst I get the ID documents to show them?

Thanks in advance all ❤️

Has anybody done a change of circumstances recently and able to tell me their timeline. How long from ringing for forms until their assessment date?? Thankyou xx

hi guys I went for MR after being denied pip for mental health anxiety, depression & bpd. Had a call yesterday from a 0800 number from a lady asking if I have help taking care of my daughter. Then asked me if there’s anything else I’d like to add and that a decision will be made by the case manager at the end of the day and a letter would be sent out. I’m feeling really anxious has anyone ever had similar happen and what was your outcome? Thanks

I care for a family member but I’m also thinking about applying for pip, I help them with every aspect of their life both mentally and physically.

The problem is I also am struggling mentally and physically, as I am helping the person in question I am in constant pain and also struggling to organise things mentally for myself and the person I care for.

I’m aware you can care for someone as long as it doesn’t contradict what I put in my form the problem is I think it does contradict I just do the things anyway, for example I have put down j have pain getting in and out of the shower yet I also care for my family member the trouble is I just grin and bare the pain so my family member can wash and use the toilet this is having a toll on my own health and well-being but there is no other way

Any advice greatly appreciated

I am working on an AtW claim for equipment to help me in running my counselling practice, mainly a laptop. Should my application be successful, would I be able to send proof of purchase to claim back for something purchased before the date of the approval? I ask as I need the laptop sooner than later, and I know that applications take time to be processed.

I was diagnosed with chrons disease when I was 16 (4 years ago), I have worked three jobs and each one I seriously struggled with and had to give them up, one full time and two part time jobs.

I have anxiety and I am taking medication, fatigue, chrons disease and in general feel like rubbish, I have turned away from benefits because I have been anxious about the process and also because I felt bad about living off tax payers money.

I don’t know what to do, I struggle to work but I don’t know any other way to get money unless I go for benefits, any advice would be appreciated, thank you.

hello everyone, i had a phone call not too long ago notifying me that my account was under review and to upload bank statements and my passport. i have done so, but i am unsure as to why this is needed? is someone trying to impersonate me? i am not employed, i am on basic £311 payments while under jobseeker’s allowance (i have recently sent off a work accessibility form as requested to do so by UC to see if i am eligible for more money due to my mental health) but i am just wondering why i am now being reviewed? has something flagged? i am having a phone call again soon to discuss but i am honestly very anxious about what is going on as nobody has really explained why this is happening? can anyone tell me their experience of this ? thank you, i am just so worried and i dont know what is happening :(

Had a meeting with an organization that supports people finding private rental. They help people who really need help, vulnerable etc. We calculated my budget. They said you can only afford up to 600 a month and it has to be shared property. The cheapest studio up to 1 hour travel to an area I want in East London is 950. The only way me & the organisation can work together, find for properties is if we find for up to 600 a month shared property, I decrease my budget or I increase finances like get a job, additional benefits etc.

When they mention this, I was concerned. I said what if I have additional income (MB, beermoney etc)? THey said if you have additional income we will require proof, Payslip, Benefit statement etc.

I will need to think, plan etc any additional income before our meeting tomorrow. The additional incomes I have are Matched Betting, Beermoney, Signupsforpay etc. They will require proof. What does everyone think and say about telling them what my additional incomes are such as MB, beermoney, signupsforpay etc?

If I tell them / if they know of my additional incomes, we may still be able to work together and maybe find for a better place like a studio (Cheapest 950 in my desired area) or a place where I have everything to myself. If I don't tell them / they don't know of my additional incomes (MB, beermoney, signupsforpay etc) then the only way we can work together is if we find for a place 600, shared property or we can't work together. Then that means they will signpost me to other organisations, places etc or I will have to get a job, increase my income, get additional benefits or something.

They can only help by paying for the deposit and sometimes first month's rent. You will have to cover the remaining rent by yourself. They and the person can work together if contract is Min 12 months or 6 months.

If I tell them / they know of any additional income such as Matched Betting, beermoney, signupsforpay etc then they will ask proof. I really need help but don't really want anyone knowing about additional income particularly - Matched betting, beermoney or any income. It's personal, privacy.

Should I tell the organisation and landlord and/or estate agent (if they require to know) about any additional income even if they are MB, beermoney, signupsforpay etc? Should/is it OK for them to know?

I am more uncomfortable with the landlord/agent knowing additional income (particularly if they are MB, Beermoney, Referrals, online stuff, side hustle etc)

If I tell them I have additional income (s) or side hustle/income like betting, Beermoney, Signupsforpay, then they will ask questions, proofs, it may be bad etc. Also how do I say, explain 'Matched betting' 'Beermoney' and 'Signupsforpay' etc? Can't say Matched betting, Beermoney, Signupsforpay etc. They wont understand.

For previous month's earnings, made 250+. MB income varies, depends on lots of factors, how many accounts etc.

If so / I should, how should I tell, explain Matched betting, Beermoney, Signupsforpay etc?

Really need help and advice before tomorrow. Thank you so much!

UC bank statement requested .

Where I have lived for the past 10 years is like a house apartment kind of thing where we rent the rooms with communal bathroom kitchen etc. All bills are included in the rent, I work full time but due to my health conditions my hours were halved down to 20 per week so a couple years ago I started a UC claim.

My rent is £300pcm and but landlord was letting me pay £260 to help me out, but UC has requested to review my claim and are after bank statements over the past 4 months. I'm not sure what do .

It was over the phone and it was awful. The person conducting it was quite dismissive, and it felt like I was being rushed.

This was yesterday morning. Had a text this afternoon to say that DWP had received a written report and will be back in touch in about 8 weeks.

I'm guessing I'm going to need to appeal 🙄

Can anyone beat 22 minutes?

Hi,

I am a bit confused. Just had a telephone call from the people who are dealing with my PIP claim. They spoke to my wife and not me, it only lasted for about 10 minutes max. At the end of the call, my wife asked when my assessment will be and the lady on the phone could not answer that but said we will hear within 8 weeks.,

Does anybody know if that means I will not have an assessment, and they are now sending their report back to DWP?

Or is still possible I will have an assessment, but then why did she give an 8 weeks time frame the same as if you've had an assessment?

Or are they going to reject my claim without an assessment?

Any help is greatly appreciated

Thankyou