Called for Work Focused Interview.

7roland8

Hi - hubby getting income support so I have now been called to this 'compulsory' interview.

I am ill with ME for many years - just get DLA mobility for myself. Not been anywhere for yrs and even my blue badge is 2yrs out of date as I've just been stuck at home.

Apart from visiting hubby in hosp when he was rushed in at Xmas not been further than home village for 2yrs. Don't drive now, nore hubby so son was taking me to hosp.

So no way am I well enough for a job (wish I was).

Can I be exempt from this interview on medical grounds?

daska

Don't think so, but ring and talk with them. They will probably suggest that you should be claiming ESA instead of IS.

themull1

Can you not get a home visit?

7roland8

Yes will ring on Monday. Know hubby was called a while ago but he'd just had major op and they didn't ask for any proof - though we did offer Drs letters etc.

Only get about £5 a week income support anyway (for both of us) and I don't seem to qualify for ESA.

We're on Incapacity Benefit for hubby, plus his works pension - which is topped up with this Income Support (which at least allows us to not pay Council Tax).

Hubby now waiting another major op and I have hardly any energy to get round the house - let alone go trecking to these interviews. Also would have to drag son away from uni to transport me and scooter - and its coming to exam time - all seems pointless to me as I know I'd never be classed well enough to work anyway.

I know I went to something similar yrs ago - as soon as they saw me coming in on my scooter (I was a bit better then than now) the girl said I should never have been called anyway - but thats no good now as its all starting again!!

7roland8

Can you not get a home visit?

Yes I am quite happy to see them so will suggest that - I'm not trying to avoid being seen or anything.

daska

themull1 wrote: »

Can you not get a home visit?

In my area they won't even do that if you're on ESA and HRM/MRC. Their regulations now state that everyone must attend the office. But I know they used to be happy with a telephone interview.

(I have no idea how much 'independence' they have when deciding these things.)

7roland8

Oh if I could do it over the phone that would be great.
Son already doing uni and ferrying hubby to hosp and Drs and don't want to make unnecessary demands if I can help it.

daska

Sorry, what I was trying to say (obviously very badly LOL) is that even if you're on ESA and DLA they used to do it over the phone but now state that everyone MUST attend the office in person.

7roland8

Thanks anyway - wll speak to them on Monday - perhaps I can at east get it postponed as I have flu and son got exams.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I found that they are happy to postpone it - but then cancel your claim because you haven't attended. So sorting out a visit would be in your interests to avoid that sort of disaster.

7roland8

Yes - I know when I had to cancel hubby's visit before Christmas (he was just out of hosp and we had nurses daily to change dressings) they were quite happy - but I followed it up with a letter of explanation and a copy kept in case of problems later.