Reasonable adjustment issue? Need advice.

Pandasloth99
Pandasloth99 Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
in Universal Credit (UC)

Good morning

Long story short... I'm in Autistic burnout. Recently diagnosed. Quit my job as the environment is harmful to me and I can't work atm.

My issue is... I am going through first UC assessment period. About to start UC50 form. Have a fit note for 3 months (been on fit notes since June).

Last week sent a long message to my work coach explaining that I need a reasonable adjustment as attending in person was too overwhelming (explained it better than this).

I've attended twice in person and it was too stressful. I got very overwhelmed.

Previous to meeting my WC In person I'd explained my whole situation on journal burnout, job etc.

Anyways... She pushed back and requested video app. I explained in detail how that isn't any better for me than in person (well slightly but still same demand). Sorry explaining badly.

Oh she said I have to have weekly work meetings for 13 weeks.

She then agreed to do phone apps. I had one last week. It went ok but she ambushed me and said something along the lines of they can do one more phone appointment but then she will see "if I'm ready" to do do video.

My reasoning for phone appointments hasn't changed. I'm still Autistic and still very much in burnout.

Basically I just want to know is there a limit to how many phone calls is 2 really a limit? And am I right that the Equality Act covers me to make it a long term adjustment? When I asked orginally she'd agreed without any indication of a limit it was only verbally she said it.

Main point

Am I allowed phone appointments and should advocate or am I wrong and could be sanctioned?

Any. Advise much appreciated. Next app on Thurs.

Sorry I normally write better than this bit had a busy few days and crashing thanks again

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,887 Online Community Team

    Hi @Pandasloth99 and welcome to the community. It's good that you sent your work coach a message to explain your situation. It sounds like they are just considering moving you to video calls as she said "if you're ready". That could be a good sign that she will continue the phone calls but I can't be certain.

    Is the next appointment over the phone?

  • Pandasloth99
    Pandasloth99 Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1149339#Comment_1149339

    Thank you.

    Yeah she was quite pushy on it and said that they can stretch to one more phone appointment. That's coming up on Thurs.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,405 Championing

    Hi,

    This is down the discretion of the Work Coach. And they should use their judgement based on your circumstances.

    For example, if it's obvious that you have considerable limitations and are likely to be awarded LCWRA then they can stop the work meetings altogether.

    But if you are likely to be able to work in some way, and are likely to be put into the LCW group, then work related meetings are to be expected. They do prefer people to attend the JC for these meetings, though I'm not sure there's any specific rule about limiting phone meetings.

    Technically you are classed as a Job Seeker until the WCA result comes back, which is why Work Meetings are assigned as default in this situation.

  • uggboots2222
    uggboots2222 Community Member Posts: 13 Listener

    I am going through the same thing now, I have phone calls for meetings, talk to Your work coach, 1st meeting at job centre, last 6 months all by phone, he totally understands, with me putting fitnote in, hope this helps, I know how stressful it is. Just waiting for my WCA results to come back with answer.

  • Pandasloth99
    Pandasloth99 Community Member Posts: 6 Listener

    Thanks everyone for the advice.It's much appreciated 😊

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,887 Online Community Team

    You are very welcome @Pandasloth99. Will you keep us updated please? It would be really helpful to get your experience for other people.

  • Pandasloth99
    Pandasloth99 Community Member Posts: 6 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1149597#Comment_1149597

    I had my UC appointment today. I'd scripted what I was going to say in regards to not jyst saying I'm ok when I'm not... Came out a jumbled mess. She seemed more understanding today and the conversation of type of appointment hasn't come up and next is phone appointment. Going to send a message to my work journal but guess that's it until next week.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,887 Online Community Team

    Thanks for updating us @Pandasloth99. I'm so glad that she was understanding and that you have another phone appointment. Don't worry about it coming out a jumbled mess, I'm sure you got across the information you needed to. How are you feeling today?

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