I have been awarded LWRCA but job centre keep on calling me

sunnybees
sunnybees Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Start here and say hello!

I was recently awarded LCWRA, and on the same day I received the decision in my Universal Credit journal I was contacted by the Jobcentre. During a 30 minute phone call they asked about my health conditions and then informed me that I would be booked in to see a work coach every month.

I explained that I am currently unable to work due to ongoing back pain following an accident, which has also led to anxiety and depression. All of this information was already provided during my LCWRA assessment. Despite this I was told that if I do not attend the appointments it will not look good for me.

I have since received an appointment in my to do list for next month with a work coach, marked as voluntary. I sent a message through my journal explaining that I have been awarded LCWRA and that my decision letter clearly states I am not expected to work or prepare for work. I asked for confirmation that these appointments are indeed voluntary.

They responded confirming that the appointments are voluntary but also said I am expected to attend to see what support they can offer. This has increased my anxiety, as I feel pressured to attend despite my current health conditions and I don’t feel that my situation is being fully understood.

Could you please advise whether declining these appointments will result in them continuing to pursue me, and whether it could have any impact on my benefits?

Comments

  • Emilee
    Emilee Online Community Member Posts: 469 Pioneering

    @sunnybees. Have they updated your claimant commitment since awarding you LCWRA? You can check this in your online account.

    As you have LCWRA, they should not be able to sanction you for not attending these appointments, but make sure your claim has been updated correctly first.

  • sunnybees
    sunnybees Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    @Emilee

    Thank you for your reply. Yes it says in my journal I am awarded lwrca.

  • Emilee
    Emilee Online Community Member Posts: 469 Pioneering

    @sunnybees, there is a different section which shows your claimant commitment and what is expected of you in order to claim. It should say things such as 'updating any changes' and 'undertaking work focussed interviews'. After you are awarded LCWRA, your work coach is supposed to update this claimant commitment.

  • sunnybees
    sunnybees Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    @Emilee

    In my commitments section which was updated after I was awarded LCWRA, it states in the work plan section: “I am not required to look or apply for work at this time. I will be told if this changes.”

    In the commitments section, it also says: “Complete all activities in my to-do list and report any changes to my circumstances promptly.”

    I have also received payment updates showing that my LCWRA has been backdated for one month.

  • Yani09
    Yani09 Online Community Member Posts: 81 Empowering

    If it is voluntary then decide for yourself if you want to attend. You have been awarded LCWRA because you are not well. Don’t be pressured to do something you don’t want to do.

    It is not part of your commitments to receive UC. Write on your journal that you are not well enough to attend at this time.. but will reach out if that changes.

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