Richard* was referred to the Community Link Practitioner Service by his GP for support following a period of poor health that had seen him signed off work, and he was worried about his finances.
The Community Link Practitioner initially referred Richard to Social Security Scotland for assistance in applying for the Adult Disability Payment, as he had an ongoing health condition which impacted on his ability to work and also undertake daily tasks. The application was successful, but despite his GP signing him off work repeatedly he was still having to attend regularly at the Job Centre and his condition was worsening. The Community Link Practitioner made contact with Disability Employability Adviser at the Department of Work and Pensions. With their support, Richard undertook a Capability for Work Assessment, and the decision of this was that he was not fit for work, and now not only receives Limited Capability for Work alongside Universal Credit, but no longer has to look for work.
Richard has worked all of his life and wished to continue but his health was making this difficult. With the support he received from the Community Link Practitioner and the help of the other agencies, he is now more financially secure and his anxiety has reduced. By removing some of his worry he is able to focus on managing his health.
*The name has been changed to protect the privacy of the person.
