New claim

emma2880

I applied for uc today as my time on income support has come to a end, I filled all the form online told them about my health problems gave details of sick note etc and then I receive a text to say I need to go to the job centre to prepare and attend first commitments appointment. The thing is I clearly stated I have severe anxiety, social anxiety and emotionally unstable personality disorder..the thought of going out made me have a panic attack and I threw up! I phoned them and told them all this while crying my eyes out and she advised me to write in the journal what I have just said and to request a telephone appointment..I was just wondering if anyone has had this and if they have actually made them go and have a face to face? I would rather be left homeless and with no money than do it..(that’s how bad I am) I applied for pip and had a paper based assesment for the same mentioned reasons..I am not going to be able to sleep thinking about this. Any information would be great.

Alex_Alumni

Hello @emma2880 I'm sorry to hear that this has caused such distress for you! I think if you do as advised and explain what's happened in your journal, you can ask for a telephone appointment as a reasonable adjustment.

The job centre have a duty under the equality act to make an adjustment to their processes if one is requested, as not doing so may amount to disability discrimination.

I hope you manage to get some sleep tonight, please let us know how things go, and if we can support you further as well. 

poppy123456

When claiming UC you are classed as a job seeker until a decision on your work capability assessment says otherwise. It's a work coaches discretion whether they turn off or reduce commiments, some do and others don't. You can ask for telephone appointments.

emma2880

Thankyou for your help, do you know if I will still receive any payments from income support or child tax credits while I am waiting for uc to pay?

poppy123456

emma2880 said:

Thankyou for your help, do you know if I will still receive any payments from income support or child tax credits while I am waiting for uc to pay?

Tax credits has now ended as you've claimed UC and you will receive no further payments from them. Income Support should continue for 2 weeks and then stop. If you're claiming housing benefit then this will also continue for 2 weeks.