The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated their rules regarding Universal Credit claimants who say they are too ill to work.
Under the new guidance, people looking to receive the benefit may be asked to undergo a medical assessment as soon as they make a claim.
It will affect everybody who states in their application form that they have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
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It follows the news that the DWP announced that Universal Credit claimants will now only have four weeks to find work in their preferred sector before having to look at other types of jobs.
It also announced that it would be bringing in tougher sanctions against those who fail to find a job outside of their chosen sector after this four-week period.
The DWP said: "When you make a claim for Universal Credit you will be asked if you have either a health condition or a disability which prevents or limits your ability to work.
"If you answer yes, you may be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
"In most circumstances, if you remain unable to work due to your health conditions for four weeks, you will be referred for a WCA on the 29th day of your claim."
However, as reported by Kent Live, you can now be asked to undergo an assessment as soon as you make a claim.
The DWP explained: "You may be referred for a WCA on the first day of your claim when one of the following applies:
- you are terminally ill
- you are pregnant and there is a serious risk of damage to your health, or to the health of your unborn child if you do not refrain from work or work-related activity
- you are receiving or are about to receive treatment for cancer by way of chemotherapy or radiotherapy – or you are recovering from such treatment
- you are in hospital or similar institution for 24 hours or longer
- you are prevented from working by law
- you are receiving treatment such as dialysis, plasmapheresis or total parenteral nutrition for gross impairment of enteric function or are recovering after receiving one of these types of treatment"
This infers that claimants who are affected by any of these circumstances would not then be pushed to find a job within four weeks under the new deadline.
According to the DWP, a health assessment can either be carried out in person, via video call, or over the phone — and claimants can ask for the assessment to be recorded if they wish.
Those making a new claim will receive the standard Universal Credit allowance in the interim whilst a decision on their ability to work is made.
For people who already receive Universal Credit when the assessment is carried out, they will get the same amount they did as before until a decision is reached.
Following the assessment, the claimant will be put into one of three categories:
- Fit for work
- Limited capability for work - this means you cannot work now, but can prepare to go back to work in the future, for example by writing a CV
- Limited capability for work and work-related activity - you cannot work now and you’re not expected to prepare for work in the future
If you’re found to be fit for work, you then have to look for a job that suits your health condition.
If you have limited capability for work, your work coach will discuss your situation and set out a series of steps to help you start preparing for work.
If your condition or disability is serious enough that you are deemed to have limited capability for work and work-related activity, you will get an extra £343.63 in Universal Credit payments.
You can find out more about the latest Universal Credit health and disability guidance at GOV.UK.
Independent Advisors at Mental Health & Money Advice confirmed the earlier assessments rule had come in at the end of last month and said: "We understand these changes can be worrying for people, mainly if you have just started claiming Universal Credit.
"Losing a job can be very upsetting. Being told you must look for work outside of your professional training or chosen career can be incredibly demoralising and impact your self-esteem.
"Help is available if you are struggling with your money, mental health, well-being, or all three."
The advice site offers a guide to those claiming Universal Credit with a mental health problem, along with interactive tools on budgeting and debts.
You could also look for help from Mental Health UK.
