Hi, my name is _Chaotic4_4gardener_! Rude UC staff, need help with call

_Chaotic4_4gardener_
_Chaotic4_4gardener_ Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited April 19 in Universal Credit (UC)

I had a UC review, I had trouble uploading documents. I spoke to a seriously unhelpful man at UC to request some help. He was extremely rude, kept telling me to stop talking and that he understood what I needed however he clearly didn't as he put me on the road for looking for work and I was contacted by my local job centre to see what help they could provide me and booked an appointment to speak to one of their advisers. I explained there had been mistake and they cancelled the appointment. I then didn't hear anything for about a month but then was asked to check my UC account about a phone appointment with the same person who was extremely rude and unhelpful and misunderstood what I needed. I immediately spiralled into a crisis and needed to take diazepam to calm down. Since then I've been in a panic state. I'm not overall worried about the nature of the appointment. I had a review about 16 months ago. I just can't bear to be having to deal with a UC person who clearly will not listen to me correctly and will be rude and unhelpful. I struggle with phone calls as I have auditory processing difficulties. I'm currently without support. I've wondered about asking CAB. Also I have been told I will need the bank statements I uploaded in front of me for the appointment. I have very bad executive function and struggle with day to day tasks let alone trying to organise extras especially in a panic state. I really do not Wang to take this call without someone present as I do not believe this UC person will listen properly to me and I'm afraid of having a meltdown while on the call.

Thanks in advance.

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Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,377 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Hi @_Chaotic4_4gardener_ and welcome to the community. I'm sorry they were so rude to you and caused so much stress. You can have an advocate who can support you. There's some information here https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/someone-to-speak-up-for-you-advocate/ . Do you feel able to gather the bank statements they've requested?

  • _Chaotic4_4gardener_
    _Chaotic4_4gardener_ Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    I will contact social services tomorrow about an advocate. Thanks for that info, I didn't know that was an option.

    I can collect bank statements. I think I have an option to order them online but I remember the last lot took a month to arrive. I have very straight forward transactions so there is nothing there that I can't remember so I may not bother to collect them or write down the 2 I think they may question. Both were small amounts (£300 a for shopper/walker and £20.) from an ex partner for 2 things. There's also an atm withdrawal for £20 because sometimes I like to have cash for emergencies. Those are the only ones I can think they will pick up. All others are food, personal care, hobbies, household and clothing transactions.

    This process is intrusive enough without a hostile reviewer. I definitely plan on having someone with me.

    Thanks for the advocacy information

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,377 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    It really is a stressful process so I hope you're able to find someone to support you with it. I just wanted to add some extra information about advocates https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/get-help-from-an-advocate#:~:text=listen%20to%20your%20concerns,An%20advocate%20will%20not: .

    I'm not entirely sure but I think being able to answer questions about your transactions will be enough if you can't get the statements in time.

    Do you have enough support at home, as you said you struggle with daily tasks?

  • _Chaotic4_4gardener_
    _Chaotic4_4gardener_ Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    No I have no support currently. It's complicated but also I need support to access support so it's a circle situation. I'm very articulate so people don't get why I need support. I'm autistic, dyspraxic have ocd and since contracting covid some chronic fatigue and brain fog issues. I will try and get an advocate for the phone call and maybe they can help me find support. I'm in a crash right now and not able to do anything. I appreciate your information. Thanks you.

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