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Worried about a universal credit appointment

bwj134

I’m 19 and got my first UC appointment tomorrow at the job centre - 10.15am . I’m so worried about it I’ve asked to do it on the phone however they keep saying no even after I’ve explained I’m anxious and things... what can I say to get it changed? There’s so much going on in my life atm and just need them to cut me some slack ..

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poppy123456

Hi,

When claiming UC you are a job seeker unless you're found to have limited capability for work. (LCW) If your health condition limits your capability to work have you reported the health condition onto your journal? If you haven't then you should do this and then send in fit notes from your GP. You will then be referred for the work capability assessment.

calcotti

bwj134 said:

I’m so worried about it I’ve asked to do it on the phone however they keep saying no even after I’ve explained I’m anxious and things...

they should be offering telephone appointments at the moment
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/work-coaches-to-continue-to-offer-telephone-interviews-where-claimants-do-not-feel-comfortable-or-safe-to-come-into-the-jobcentre
However it’s likely too late to get an appointment set for you tomorrow changed in time.

poppy123456

Thanks calcotti, that's good to know.

bwj134

calcotti said:

bwj134 said:

I’m so worried about it I’ve asked to do it on the phone however they keep saying no even after I’ve explained I’m anxious and things...

they should be offering telephone appointments at the moment
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/work-coaches-to-continue-to-offer-telephone-interviews-where-claimants-do-not-feel-comfortable-or-safe-to-come-into-the-jobcentre
However it’s likely too late to get an appointment set for you tomorrow changed in time.

Bearing in mind 3 of the people I live with have covid (which I also told them) and I told them I was anxious they said it has to be done in person, I just find it ridiculous

Alex_Alumni

Hi @bwj134 and welcome to the community. I'm sorry to read how anxious you've been feeling about your UC appointment, it can feel quite daunting, especially for the first time. What is it about the appointment that's worrying you the most?

And can I ask, have you been able to test yourself for Covid at all? Are you experiencing any symptoms?

To help our members find your post, I've just moved it over into our UC category. If any other questions come up, please don't hesitate to ask.

Alex

rubin16

Hi,

They do the same with myself, I have autism and schizophrenia and get very bad social anxiety and voices when I'm outside and they refuse to give me a telephone appointment. I have to have someone with me when I go to the appointment. I am awaiting a work capability assessment and I have sent non stop fit notes in since may, I have explained to them multiple times that I don't like face to face appointments and it gives me anxiety but they just say that until I have an assessment I am classed as a job seeker and if I don't go to the appointments my claim will be stopped.

I know that your work coach can turn off these commitments but mine refuses too, and I've had to goto the jobcentre for the last 3 appointments and future appointments till I have an assessment.

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for sharing your experience @rubin16 it's a shame to hear that your work coach is unwilling to turn off your commitments, even with the anxiety you experience. I'm glad to hear you have someone to go with you, I'm sure that helps a little.

Is there a chance anyone is able to go with you @bwj134 if you don't test positive for Covid? If you do test positive, you'll need to let the job centre know as soon as possible.