UC telephone assessment

Hi All, I have my UC50 telephone assessment coming up in a fortnight - some dreadful questions I've read in which I'm not even sure how to answer - along the lines of do you want to work ? After being finished from my previous job in 2018 - I've had 2 other PT ones that have lasted 6 wks and 3 months, and let go by both on mental and physical health grounds. I suffer with chronic pain, sciatica, social and travel anxiety, and although I'm trying my best to prepare for this assessment, I'm feeling extremely stressed and worried about it - can anyone advise what it may be like, or anything to help ease these sleepless nights please ?

Hi Chris

You are wise to be as prepared as you can for the assessment, but please accept that however much you prepare, you will probably wish afterwards that you had said something that you had forgotten or you wish you had said something differently. That's the nature of the beast. They are nerve-wracking events - but be kind to yourself. You can only do your best.

Do have a look at the guide to ESA and UC Claims for Physical, Mental Health and Learning Difficulties: a guide to the limited Capability for work assessment. You will find advice about how to prepare for the assessment. Always make sure that you have water available and stop for a drink when needed. Carry out a covert recording of the assessment if you can. Write yourself a list of anything that you want to mention and keep it close to hand.

In terms of the questions - if you can't answer something, say you don't know. Some observers try and push people into answering, but if something is making you feel that uncomfortable, just say so. If you want a moment to think, just tell them you need to have a drink of water - so you can think of the answer. Be aware they may well ask one curveball question. I can't tell you what that might be because it's completely individual. A relative of mine was asked what her last job title was. It had no relevance to her health, and she truthfully answered that she couldn't remember.

I know it's no good to tell you not to worry because of course, you will, but do try and get some sleep, or you will make yourself ill. Wishing you the best of luck.

BIS

Hello BIS, Thank you so much for your in depth, and warm words. They are greatly appreciated. I have read through the entire booklet online, and I have about 7 and a half pages I've written of A4 paper with different questions and answers, and you're totally right, I keep waking up in the night thinking of stuff that I can add to it, or re-word it. I was even informed from someone in the past that when they ask you what type of things you like watching, it's a test to see how long you can sit for? I mean talk about trying to catch people out. It's awful that sick people are made to feel this way by them. I claim both elements of PIP, and would've thought that the documentation I provided them with then, would've been enough to cover UC50 also, but I know it doesn't, as it relates to different things. A lot in my case though, is pretty much the same. Attempting suicide in the past, you'd think would be enough to put these people off making people feel any lower than they do, by coming across like they're begging for a payout. I have been in the LCW group for the past 2 years, yet sought out employment myself, twice, and on both occassions I was let go of for mental and physical health reasons, one job lasting 6 wks, and the other 3 months, and kindly, it was my job search work coach who persuaded me to apply for the UC50 because of these situations. Once again, thank you so much for your kind words, and hopefully i'll keep my fingers crossed that everything will work out for the best. That goes for others reading this, who are in a similar situation, and feel stuck....Good Luck.

Hi Chris

Follow BIS's wise words;

A lot of the questions in the quide are those that would have been asked if you had a face to face assessment.

help-for-claimants/esa1

- Write yourself a bullet point list of any particular points you want to get over, so you have it by you during the assessment, tick them as you cover them during the assessment.
- have paper and pens to hand to make any notes such as the assessors name, date, time
- make sure you are seated in a comfortable chair, you are going to be there a while and at table to make notes
- if you can't hear or understand what is being asked then ask them to repeat the question
- don’t let the assessor rush you and get you flustered.
- don't forget to have a glass of water if needed so you don't get a dry throat and lose your voice!

Don’t forget to contact DWP once you receive your decision letter and ask for a copy of the assessors report called a UC85.

Gary