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Universal credit

NAS83237

I’ve recently been made redundant and I have started my own business - ironing at home. 
l have to attend a gateway appointment at the job center for my universal credits. 
I suffer from extreme anxiety and panic attacks attending appointments like these, plus the extra stress of having to drive away from my home through Ipswich town center will cause me much added stress as the traffic is so unpredictable, and mostly busy at 9 in the morning, 

I have requested due to my anxiety/ autism for the interview to be conducted on phone or video call, and I upload any supporting evidence they need online. So far they are refusing to do this, and want to see me face to face at the job center, for a one hour appointment. I have also asked if some of the appointments can be done on phone then I only pop into job center for ten mins to show ID etc. they have refused this also. 
I don’t think I could cope with an hour appointment, I’m afraid if I don’t attend or panic half way during the appointment my universal credits will be stoped. 
I have explained they are discriminating against my disabilities, but I fear they still won’t make adjustments to the appointment 

Parents

  • It’s in two weeks. I’ve been on phone to talk to someone else and she said that due to the nature of the appointment it has to be done in the job center, otherwise my payment will be stopped. I’m in tears at moment, I know how emotionally difficult this appointment is going to be . Citizen advice say it’s unlawful to not make adjustments for people who can’t attend face to face appointments , but if everyone I’ve spoken to say there no other option other than not getting universal credit (I have rent and a daughter to take care off ) I haven’t got a choice. I’m going to be shaking in fear, and possibly sick. 
    im so angry and keep crying . 
    I just don’t understand , universal credit is meant to help get people into work, but I’m seriously considering ending my business and just say I’m unfit to work, I’m so upset at the moment 

Reply

  • It’s in two weeks. I’ve been on phone to talk to someone else and she said that due to the nature of the appointment it has to be done in the job center, otherwise my payment will be stopped. I’m in tears at moment, I know how emotionally difficult this appointment is going to be . Citizen advice say it’s unlawful to not make adjustments for people who can’t attend face to face appointments , but if everyone I’ve spoken to say there no other option other than not getting universal credit (I have rent and a daughter to take care off ) I haven’t got a choice. I’m going to be shaking in fear, and possibly sick. 
    im so angry and keep crying . 
    I just don’t understand , universal credit is meant to help get people into work, but I’m seriously considering ending my business and just say I’m unfit to work, I’m so upset at the moment 

Children
  • in reply to NAS83237

    If you end your business and say you're unfit for work, you will then be required by the DWP to obtain sick/fit notes from your GP. After 29 days, you will automatically be sent a Work Capability Assessment questionnaire in the post, which you have approximately a month to complete and return. At some point, you will then be required to have an assessment by an "independent" doctor or nurse. They then submit a report to a DWP Decision Maker. Irrespective of whether your GP is in agreement that you are unfit for work, it's the DWP Decision Maker that ultimately has the final say.

    I can relate to the anxiety that your forthcoming job centre appointment is causing you. If you're able to take someone along with you who can provide you with emotional support, then I would strongly advise that.

  • in reply to NAS83237

    This made me very sad and concerned to hear. I understand how distressing even the thought of attending these places can be. I know I would not manage. I am sorry you are going through this.

    It really concerns me just how many organisation don't take the equality laws seriously, especially with things like autism and mental health. They treat it like adjustments are only a recommendation even when they are necessary to us to be able to access services fairly. It took the DWP over a year to even respond to my request for email communication.

    I hope you somehow manage to get this sorted. I wish I had something helpful to say, but you are not alone.

  • in reply to NAS83237

    Hello how are you doing today