Universal credit claim

Hi ann63,

Welcome to Benefits and Work.
I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling with depression and anxiety.

Assuming that you were previously getting income related ESA as a couple , then yes, your marital breakdown is a change of circumstances that will mean that you need to claim UC.
Do you claim PIP? Have you ever received 'extra money for severe disability'? - if so this could affect how you claim UC.

The assessment process under UC is the same as previously. It is possible that DWP will assert that you don't receive active treatment, and yes, you haven't recently been to the doctor so therefore your condition isn't very serious. The important thing is to stress exactly how your depression and anxiety affect you - AND how, as a result you are unable to perform the activities which give rise to points. Explain why you don't go to the doctors, say exactly what happens when you become anxious. What triggers this, or is it something that is always present? By providing a full explanation, hopefully the assessor/decision maker will be fully aware of the difficulties you have and will award the UC equivalent of ESA Support Group.

Have a look at the members Guides - these provide a lot of helpful information.- ;
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc

If you do not already claim PIP (Personal Independence Payment) this may be something you are eligible for. Like ESA, this is a points based benefit. Again have a look at the Guides -
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip

I wish you luck with your UC claim, and hope that you can start to feel less anxious.

LL26