ESA 17 Months on Assessment rate

sjdh75 wrote: On a separate note, if the worst comes to the worst and they force me to claim jobseeekers can I restrict my job search to part time jobs that will enable me to manage being a single parent along with having to be at home to see my son off to school and to be home when he comes home from school. My son is type 1 diabetic and he is 12. I have to closely monitor his blood sugar as his hypo attacks are extremely dangerous. I would also have to work very near to home (if forced) as his school often calls at short notice for me to come abd take him home if he is sick at home. Managing my illnesses and his illness is a full time job in itself and going through these assessments on top is killing me.

You can negotiate a minimum Claimant Commitment but there are limits beyond which the DWP will not go, all you can do, if the worst happens is talk to them about your restrictions. Once your claim is accepted and in payment you can provide a Fit Note and be excused from your Commitment for up to 13 weeks while your MR is progressed.

If you are in a Universal Credit area then the rules are different.

Gordon

sjdh75 wrote: Hello Gordon
Thanks for your help. I posted a detailed reply with another question but it hasn't shown up yet on screen - is it awaiting moderation or has it not saved? Thanks

All posts are moderated and will not appear in the forum until approved my a Moderator.

Gordon

sjdh75 wrote: Thanks Gordon. I am in North Wales in a Universal Credit area. What are the rules about claimant commitment under UC. If all appeals fail, can I restrict working to a maximum of 16 hours per week as a lone parent (not that I could even work but I need to know the worst case scenario). Thanks again.

The major difference is that you can only use a Fit Note for a maximum of four weeks under UC, as to commitment have a look at the following

www.gov.uk/government/publications/unive...mmitment-quick-guide

Gordon