uc interview anxiety

brad300794

Hi everyone
I'm currently claiming UC,  I'm currently suffering depression and anxiety after a bereavement and sending sick notes as requested by UC, I have been asked to attend another person to person interview at a job centre, I didn't attend my first interview in January because I couldn't face leaving home and having to have the emotional upset of discussing my issues, now they have requested I attend another face to face interview this month, if anything my mental health has deteriorated to the the point that it is making me feel I'll the thought of having to attend this interview, can anyone offer any advice as to where I go next for help/advice -thank you

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Unfortunately if you claim uc you are classed as a job seeker and need to attend interviews 

Your work coach can turn them off or do them by phone but it is their discretion 

If you have supplied fit notes after 28 days your coach should refer you for a work capability assessment 

This process takes a long time and includes a work capability assessment buf if you are found to have limited capability to work and work related activity you would no longer have to attend any meetings and would get an additional payment in your uc 

poppy123456

You can try speaking to your work coach and tell them that your mental health is affected and you’re having difficulty going out of the house. They may agree to reduce or turn off work commitments. Or maybe even have them via the telephone instead of face to face. 

As Janer says, it’s their discretion. 

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @brad300794 and welcome to the community, thanks for reaching out this evening.

You might like to look at Citizens Advice for information on reasonable adjustments. Public authorities, like the DWP and Jobcentre, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments if you’re disadvantaged by something because of your disability compared to people who aren't disabled. 

It might be possible to request a reasonable adjustment, but there's no guarantee you won't have to attend a face to face interview. If that's the case, do you have anyone who could go with you for support?

I'm sorry to hear about your bereavement, I know that Cruse can offer lots of different types of support if you ever feel like you need it, so please do see if they'd be able to help support you.

If there's anything I've missed please let me know, and I hope the community can help you feel more reassured.

Alex