Autism and universal credit

Hi, this is a detailed respobse based on my own dealings, having been through this process, over the 4 years I've been on UC...

I believe, unless rules have changed (and I realise I am repeating others) the issue will be whilst you are waiting for an assessment, you haven't got the assessment results.

I realise this is not good news, especially if you expect to be diagnosed autistic but have a long wait... but it has to be supported by evidence. I realise this is not helpful in your current situation.

However, I would stress that when you have a diagnosis. It does change the UC "game" somewhat. Having a history of over a decade of mental health issues, I now get UC, including the LCW&WRA element.

I currently live at home so don't claim any housing allowance... due to my age, I would be entitled to the shared accommodation rate based on being under 35. But because you can also get Personal Independence Payment: you WILL qualify (for at least the basic payment) with autism... you are also then entitled to a one bed rate of housing allowance REGARDLESS OF AGE.

Another entitlement is 25% of council tax, which I believe, but am yet to have confirmed. Can be combined with single occupancy (-25%) to give you 50% off council tax.

I realise this makes me seem like kne of the system abusers. But over my 4 years on UC I have found work coaches to be a complete and utter waste of space. You attend and apply as you're in dyer straights, you ask questions: and they for you off without answering them. It felt to me, very much like a "we've got targets" situation, and riled me so much that when I hear people struggling I will give them as much weaponry as I can!

All of the above however is subject to proving your case. My suggestion is keep plastic folders with all your medical documentation. If you have more than one issue. It can often be useful to split the letters across multiple folders. Evidence is the key. The more supporting evidence you have the easier it is to prove.

This will not remove any need to attend an in person medical assessment though. I have spoken to others when I attended mine, there is definitely a way of approaching things... if you can't prove it, don't blag it! You will be found out, and you will give us all a bad name. This will probably go against you in further applications as well.

I've also seen comments on other forums, where people say they were "tricked" at the assessment. This is nonsense. If you tell the truth. You won't be caught out or "tricked"

Being assessed as LCW&WRA DOES NOT mean you are not allowed to work. I have done my distillery self employed whilst being LCW&WRA... the benefit of this classification is that as PR mentioned, you will not be required to apply for ANY job they want you to. You will have far more control, whether that be to apply for jobs (up to 15hrs) that you feel would be suitable, or even try self employment if there's an area you think you could start something. Both will be subject to 15hrs a week and the usual £500 odd cap, anymore and you'll lose 55p of your UC per £1 above the threshold. While this may seem a lot. Its based on the "over the threshold" amount. So actually isn't too bad. If you go with self employment. You will submit monthly finances, and have a range of potential deductions you can make from your revenue. The £500 odd threshold is based on your gross profit.

Sorry for the essay. I believe this covers most of the areas of the benefits system. Good luck in your fight! And stay honest! :-)

Chris said:

I've also seen comments on other forums, where people say they were "tricked" at the assessment. This is nonsense. If you tell the truth. You won't be caught out or "tricked"

Forgive me for contradicting you.  They do try hard to trick you at assessments.

At my PIP assessment the assessor spent the whole hour going through the physical disability questions, which I left blank because my disability is mental.  Then refused to even look at the second half of the form dealing with the invisible, mental problems, because in his words, ' I don't have the time'.

Chris said:

I've also seen comments on other forums, where people say they were "tricked" at the assessment. This is nonsense. If you tell the truth. You won't be caught out or "tricked"

Forgive me for contradicting you.  They do try hard to trick you at assessments.

At my PIP assessment the assessor spent the whole hour going through the physical disability questions, which I left blank because my disability is mental.  Then refused to even look at the second half of the form dealing with the invisible, mental problems, because in his words, ' I don't have the time'.

i feel they tricked and duped me several times during my recent failed assessment for pip , i have several other issues , i have degenerative disc probs cervical spondylosis upper spine in permanant pain , and cerebral atrophy , aform of dementia esentally , but im intelligent and have skills, the dwp keep making me attend the office face to face , i cant get on busses and taxis so i walk 4 miles which cripples me , im almost called a liar , and as far as my sick note is concerned the doctor signs monthly to say im not fit for any work , but thats over ridden by the dwp ,i was asked how i manage to go to a local shop , i told them i dont go to a local shop , but what if you did , i dont ?. i was asked what colour my underwear was?i said i havent got any on i dont wear them , she was aghast and said that is far too much information  i dont want to know that ?then why did you ask ?im just answering honestly , she completely dismissed my autism which was unofficially diagnosed by a doctor of phychology , i was told at my assesment for autism this will take 4 years . another question the assessor said how would you get to your hospital for an appointment , i said its six mile so i cant walk , i rely on a friend for lifts , my anxiety wont let me use busses or taxis since pandemic and my quitting of alcohol which i used as acoping mechanism , , she said what i f you couldnt get a lift , i said i couldnt walk that far id have to cancell , but what if its absolutly critaical , i suppose id have to get a taxi but it would be awful id be in meltdown , ive not been in a taxi for over 6 years , ive not been on a bus for 3 , they do con you and ask leading questions , which i was told wasnt allowed , same as the dwp. a work coach on phone asked me about my symptoms , then replied , well i have a bad back and i have memory issues but i can still do my job , at which point again i exploded , its not about your health i dont care about your health . the universal credit system and pip , create more anxiety i could cope prior to my disability problems five year ago , ive claimed for 3 year , and keep failing , and have been told yesterday , i cant keep appealing i need to work , the heavy had of this government curing people with the swipe of their pens 

My PIP assessment can be compared with visiting a doctor and complaining of pain in my right arm.  The doctor then carries out an extensive examination of my left arm.  When I prompt him that it's my right arm that's in pain he tells me to leave.

To be absolutely clear... i was taking a literal quote from your response.

Agreed, I wasn't there. I'm offering advice as someone who has successfully applied. With responses on the basis of the information you had supplied. 

I disagree because I was at the assessment, you weren't.  I didn't leave the questions blank, I wrote something along the lines, 'not a problem'.

He was a paramedic who spent a long time slowly and carefully going through the application, asking me to raise my hands above my head, reach out, walk ten paces, all the physical questions were examined in great detail, when it came to my social problems, he just terminated the examination and asked us to leave.

The issue is you left it blank. Hence the questions from the assessor. As I have said in my post... evidence is king. Even if its a case of writing n/a... You cant expect to fill out a form, or in this case "leave blank" and not be asked for comment...

Regardless of your reasoning. This will not be obvious to the assessor with 0 commentary for them to go on. It will cause them to check.

Providing all your medical documentation at the point you submit the application will also smooth this, it's gives them "the time" to look at it beforehand, not on the day. Photocopies of assessments, reports, medication etc will all help them in understanding the issue beforehand.

The appointment, from what I remember, is approximately 45mins... if you have just flat out not written anything as your comment suggests, then they will ask. Providing evidence in advance, reduces the time constraints of the appointment.

As I have said in my post. They are not trying to trick you, but it is up to you to provide evidence. My comments are as someone who has successfully navigated and are not meant as inflammatory, more as helpful advice.