Am I exempt from my work focused interview?

Artoid_Refract

Hello all,

I received a letter stating that I have to attend a 'work focused interview'. I receive Income Support Benefit, but am concerned that they are unaware that I am in receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance care component and also the higher rate of the mobility componenet. Given this, does this mean I can waive this work focused interview?

I would really appreciate it if someone could give me advice regarding this issue as it's really starting to play on my mind.

Fran

You will have to attend an interview if they have asked you to. Why not give them a ring if you think your DLA is relevant and you have special requirements in order to attend.

dmg24

Hi Artoid Refract, welcome to MSE!

You are correct, if you are in receipt of DLA HRC you are exempt from the WFI process. If you call the number on the letter they should be able to sort it for you.

Artoid_Refract

Thanks very much for the help. One more thing, I've been on this DLA for a couple of years. Am I still exempt given this?

dmg24

Yes, you are still exempt. However I am not sure if you will be once you are migrated to ESA, but that should not be for quite a while yet.

Artoid_Refract

dmg24 wrote: »

Yes, you are still exempt. However I am not sure if you will be once you are migrated to ESA, but that should not be for quite a while yet.

Sorry to keep pestering you, but can you tell me (roughly) how long it will take for them to put me on ESA? Will it be months?

dmg24

No problem, I think the question has been answered on your other thread, but unless you live in a pilot area (Manchester is the only one I know of) it is unlikely to happen until next year at earliest. It is quite possible that by the time the criteria for those with MH conditions will have changed, but nobody knows as yet.

jcally

had conflicting reports concerning exemption due to being on dla higher rate anybody able to help

casperlee

Even if you are in the higher rate you still have to attend ONE interview, just so they can SEE that you are not faking it.
I know someone with epilepsy who had to go; even though they knew she was on the higher rate.

only_mee

jcally wrote: »

had conflicting reports concerning exemption due to being on dla higher rate anybody able to help

casperlee wrote: »

Even if you are in the higher rate you still have to attend ONE interview, just so they can SEE that you are not faking it.
I know someone with epilepsy who had to go; even though they knew she was on the higher rate.

This applies to Higher rate care i gather, and not Higher rate mobility.