Job centre Appointment

Tonawanda17

Hi, i was supposed to have a job centre appointment with a coach today. The letter stated it was to be a phone appointment so i stayed in but the job centre phoned saying i should have been in to see them so they have rebooked me. I spoke to the coach for 2 minutes who suggested before i look for a job she would do a calculation to check if i'd be better off on benefits that working. I am shocked by this and just wanted to ask if anyone else has experienced this. Is the common practice and are they allowed to suggest that. Thanks

Tonawanda17

Hi and thanks for your response. When i booked the appointment it was supposed to be a drop in appointment but when the letter arrived it said phone appointment. The lady at the job centre said she sent out the wrong letter by mistake so just crossed wires. I am on CB ESA only (support group) with permitted work self employed but want to look for something more perminant. I think all i will say is that i don't want any more money than i get and i am here for help finding employment. Surly they will be happy with that. Thanks

poppy123456

Very strange, I agree. Job centre staff are not benefits advisors and you shouldn't rely on their advice for this. If you want to do a better off calculation then you should speak to an advice agency near you, or use a benefits calculator.

As you're aware for permitted work providing your earnings do not exceed £183.50/week then your ESA will continue as a normal.

Tonawanda17

Hi poppy, thanks for that. Yes, i am on permitted work but my business trade is dropping off and i don't want to sit at home doing nothing so i decided to look for a better job which would pay more than ESA. I'll just tell the jobcentre i can here for help finding a job and not to get more money. Thanks again

Meg24

If I were you I would make it very clear that you have LCWRA and have not had a change of circumstances. Just in case...