First Gateway appointment booked AFTER first UC payment due?

JammyWhite

Hi, my first payment is due end of September but my self-employed gateway appointment has just been booked for 4th October. Is this normal? Can I still receive my payments ok without having had this appointment? BTW I verified id online and all was ok.

I haven't yet had a confirmation that my claim documents have all been accepted ok. DO you receive such a confirmation? For example I think I missed on uploading one of my housing costs documents. How can I confirm if all is ok? DO they send any confirmation that all is ok?

Adrian_Scope

Hello @JammyWhite

Unfortunately it's my understanding that the Gateway Interview is a payment blocker until it's completed, meaning that you won't receive your payment until the Gateway Interview has happened.

In terms of confirmation, they don't send any confirmation that it's all okay but they should ask if something is missing. When you receive your first statement, go through carefully to check it's what you're expecting, in case there are any elements such as housing they haven't fully verified.

JammyWhite

Thanks Adrian.
This will cause me to not be able to pay my rent now. I applied 22 August and first payment is supposed to be 28 September which meant I could pay my rent 1st October. Now I’m stuffed.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @JammyWhite, unfortunately we're hearing a lot from people that they're not getting these interviews or even ID appointments before the end of their first assessment period, causing delays in their payments.

It might be worth asking if they are able to bring the Gateway Interview forward, explaining the issue to them. I'd also recommend getting in touch with your landlord and explaining the situation too, so they're aware their rent might be a few days late.

JammyWhite

I will do so, thanks Adrian.

JammyWhite

Hi, I have managed to be given an earlier appointment on September 24th, which is the date that my journal says my statement will be available to me telling me how much I will receive. First UC payment due on 28th September.

Does it matter that the gateway appointment is on the same day as the statement is due? Or does the gateway appointment not influence the payment/statement?

Also once I sign the commitments is my claim updated immediately/promptly and I should receive my first payment on September 28th as it should be?

Albus_Scope

Ah I'm glad to hear you were able to get a quicker appointment. Hopefully they'll be able to push that first payment through for you. But you'd need to check with the DWP as unfortunately I'd not be able to say for definite.