The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) is tightening Universal Credit rules as part of a plan to get half a million people "back into work faster than ever before".
Under the Way to Work campaign, Universal Credit claimants will have to widen their job search from their preferred sector in the fourth week of their claim.
Currently, people have to do this from the three month mark.
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The department revised its guidance on Work Capability Assessments for people who claim to be too ill or disabled to work.
In the updated guidance, released on February 15, 2022, 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."
You could be referred for assessment on the first day of your Universal Credit 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"
Assessments of a person's health can be held in person, by video call, or over the phone. Claimants can ask for this to be recorded.
People are put in one of the following categories based on the outcome of assessments:
- fit for work
- limited capability for work - you cannot work now, but you 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 fit to work, you have to look for a job that suits your health condition.
Your work coach will discuss your situation with you if you have a limited capability for work, and they will set out steps to help you prepare for work.
People with a condition or disability deemed serious enough for a limited capability for work and work-related activity will get an extra £343.63 in Universal Credit payments.
While waiting for a decision on their ability to work, claimants get the standard Universal Credit allowance if making a new claim.
If the assessment was triggered by a change of circumstances, claimants receive the same amount as before until a decision is made.
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 came in at the end of January.
They 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.
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