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Universal Credit Work Capability

sapphic princess

I’ve recently been diagnosed with autism whilst being on UC. I haven’t been able to work since July and I was diagnosed at the end of september. So i’ve been on UC since mid july.

After reporting my disability I filled out the work capability form, in which in response i got a letter for a work capability assessment.


It’s on monday and I have no idea what to expect and am incredibly anxious. I only got like a week or so notice and I have to use public transport to get into london to go to it. I’m also really scared because I kept meaning to reschedule so that my partner could come with me, but I kept forgetting and putting it off. Now it’s on monday and i feel like i’ve left it way too late to cancel. So now I have to go alone!

So already the whole situation is very anxiety inducing and stressful. On top of the fact I have no idea what they’re going to ask or what to expect.
Can anyone help?

  • in reply to Mweekie6852

    Thank you for your advice! I saw your post and I'm sorry for your experience. I've decided i will try and cancel so that my partner can come with me. Thank you so much

  • in reply to Sporadic Sparkly

    Thank you so much this is very helpful. I've decided that I will try and still cancel on the morning of my assessment, and even try and ask for a phone call one as it would suit me so much better. I was very worried that they would judge my ability to attend an assessment and compare it to my ability to work, which is obviously very different! 

  • Hi Sapphic Princess.

    I completely agree with Sporadic Sparkly - you need someone there with you - even if purely for support for you.

    I had a phone appointment one a few weeks ago and even that was stressful - I even re-arranged it as didn't want to do it without anyone (my parents were in the Canary Islands at the time). I ended up in a complete meltdown over the phone and Mum had to practically take over - especially as the woman on the phone apparently, and I quote "I don't have enough room to write everything down!" - for the rest of my story read my other post - Health Assessment Advisory Service - set up by Universal Credit (really long post I'm sorry) xx

    Honestly, make an excuse - such as migraine/sickness.

    I don't know what I would have done without my Mum being there with me on my assessment.

    Take care and keeping my fingers crossed for you 

    Mweekie xx

  • Is there any chance that your partner could phone on Monday (before the time of your assessment) to explain that it will be need to be rescheduled for another date because you're unwell with something like a migraine, which is causing you to vomit? Whilst I know it's wrong, this will enable your partner time to arrange time off work to accompany you.

    In my experience, you will definitely want someone with you for the assessment. If you attend alone, then it could be perceived that if you can do that, then you are perfectly capable of working.

    There is no way of knowing beforehand what questions you might be asked. In theory, the person carrying out the assessment should only be focused on what was reported in the assessment questionnaire, and the time period since the date your claim was made. If you have physical symptoms, you may be asked to perform some simple exercises.

    In my experience, I have found it helpful to assume the person carrying out the assessment thinks I am guilty of a crime I haven't committed. Therefore, it is down to me to remind them of the facts (what was reported in the work capability questionnaire) and convince them of my innocence.

    The assessor may seem friendly, but from the moment you walk into the assessment room they will already be forming an opinion as to whether they think you are capable of working. However, it will be the 'Decision Maker' who has the final say. Do not be surprised if you find yourself having to appeal.

    The following website has some useful information about work capability assessments, and also PIP assessments:

    https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/