I have just been awarded LCWRA, but I’ve been asked to attend an interview

Vickirose

Hi, 
I know that I’m not the only one in this position and I really apologise if I have come onto the wrong forum, as this is really new to me. I’m not great at communicating with people I know, I struggle worse in this type of situation, but I’m hoping that someone may be able to help me. 

I’ve have been awarded this new LCWRA, in the last few days. I have been receiving Universal Credit for several years. I’ve been lucky to get a work coach who understands that I can not get into the job centre for previous interactions, so they’ve always been done over the phone. 

Just as many others, I got a note on my online journal, asking me to attend a work based interview 19/2. I replied, asking if we could continue to have a phone consultation. Two days later, I received a message to tell me that they had assessed my medical conditions, communicated with my Dr and that I have been awarded with this new benefit. Despite the letter saying that I do not have to send in any information, or look for work, they still want me to attend an interview, it’s now to see what help they may be able to offer me. I have written twice on my journal, that I won’t be able to attend, due to my illnesses, asking them to contact me on the phone, as before, but I’ve had no reply and I’m now worried that they’ll sanction me! It seems that I also have a new case worker which is making me feel a lot more anxious. 

I don’t know what to do. I can’t afford a sanction, but I can't make it into the job centre either. I live in a first floor flat, just trying to get down the steps of my can be a nightmare. 

I’d be grateful for any advice, as I don’t know what else I can do. All of this stress causes me more pain and anxiety. I didn’t know who to turn to. I don’t know what this new LCWRA means for me, let alone an interview to assess my needs. 

I’m sorry for the long message and I’m grateful for anyone’s advice and time. 

Thank you

poppy123456

Firstly, LCWRA means your maximum UC entitlement will increase by £390.06/month from the 4th month after you provided your first fit note. Providing you're not claiming UC with a partner that already receives this element on your claim. 

My first thoughts on this... If it's a work focused interview I see that you received this appointment before you received the decision on your work capability assessment. For this reason it should now be cancelled. You should not be sanctioned if you don't attend because you have LCWRA.

When found to have LCWRA you do not have any work commitments so do need to attend any further appointments, or have any further phone calls. 

When found to have LCWRA you have no work coach so receiving replies to messages on your journal can take a little longer. I would also advise you to put another message on your journal to tell them that you were found to have LCWRA so do not need to attend any WFI. 

fabbydabby1

thats exactly what happened to me & I just put a message in my journal that I’m now receiving LCWRA & they cancelled my appointment within 1 day.

Albus_Scope

Hi @Vickirose and a very belated welcome to the community. 

I was just checking in to see how this all turned out for you?  Was the appointment cancelled successfully?