Work Focused Interview

jacnorm

Hi all, I hope someone on here can put my hubby`s mind at rest. My husband has just been through the stress of PCA and they said all was okay for five years and today he has got a letter to go for a work focused interview. The worry is getting to him already and this only makes his condition worse. What happens at these interviews and in view of the fact his condition is far worse now than when he first stopped work will that make a difference. He gets incapacity, income support, dla middle care and high mobility. I get care allowance will it affect any of these benefits? Any info would help to put his mind at rest. Thanks Jacqui

Garnet_Gem

Sometimes I think claimants get worked up about interviews without good reason. If your OH's condition is much worse, this interview should help him to claim anything he might be entitled to but doesn't know about. The DWP is only doing it's job. If you think logically about this, if he's getting money he'll have to attend interviews periodically. It's not to catch him out. Good luck when he goes for his meeting.

rachnbri

It's just a routine interview that everyone claiming a benefit is expected to attend these days. Attendance at the interview is mandatory but no other activity is. As long as he attends his benefits won't be affected.

The idea is to discuss whether he is capable of any type of work and explain what support is available to him if he does want to work (even part time). Obviously there are some people for whom work is entirely out of the question and that is understood. The adviser is not there to bully him or put him under any pressure, just to tell him what support he may be entitled to now or at some point in the future.

He really shouldn't worry about it too much (easier said than done I know)

peter999

jac/norm wrote: »

He gets incapacity, income support, dla middle care and high mobility. I get care allowance will it affect any of these benefits?

The interview is to check his situation, offer help & advice.

The title "Work Focused Interview" should really be changed so it doesn't put the fear of god into ill or disabled that they will be pushed/forced/press-ganged into jobs.

peter999

hjb123

I had one of these soon after my winning my IB appeal last year and when I got the letter/phone call (cant remember which now) I was worried but I found I had nothing to worry about. The person I saw was kind and understanding and could see I wasnt well enough for work etc and said that she is there as a contact and information point as and when I get back to work or need advice or information

jacnorm

Thanks to all for the replies. My husband feels better now he has read these. He worked for so long with an awfull lot of pain and now is not able to work at all but, is easily stressed. I am gratefull for all the help that is posted on this site. Jacqui

Hapless_2

I had one yesterday, I went in she said, you are a carer, you also get DLA in your own right, you are doing an OU course, so this is a waste of time really.

roxyrocks

Hi, I have been on Incapacity for 12 yrs, have passed the PCA's & am only due a review in 2010. I recieved a work focused interview letter last November but was too ill to attend. I rang them thinking I would have to go at a later date! I was told the interview was purely voluntary, I explained my incapacity etc & was told to ignore the letter & I would be exempt in future.The jobcentre don't have any access to your PCA or medical records so they don't know the nature of your incapacity, they send out the letters cos they are told to as a matter of course. Give em a ring.Hope this helps

battybouncer

jac/norm wrote: »

Hi all, I hope someone on here can put my hubby`s mind at rest. My husband has just been through the stress of PCA and they said all was okay for five years and today he has got a letter to go for a work focused interview. The worry is getting to him already and this only makes his condition worse. What happens at these interviews and in view of the fact his condition is far worse now than when he first stopped work will that make a difference. He gets incapacity, income support, dla middle care and high mobility. I get care allowance will it affect any of these benefits? Any info would help to put his mind at rest. Thanks Jacqui

TELL HIM NOT TO WORRY TOO MUCH.
I AM ON INCAPACITY AND WAS TOLD TO ATTEND MONTHLY INTERVIEWS WHICH AFTER 5 WAS TOLD THAT I WASN'T FORCED TO ATTEND ANYMORE.
AT EACH INTERVIEW IF HE JUST TELLS THEM THAT HE HASN'T BEEN WELL AT ALL,THEN THEY WILL JUST MAKE A NOTE OF THIS AND THERE ISN'T MUCH ELSE THAT THEY CAN DO.
AS I SAID,I ONLY ATTENDED 5 INTERVIEWS AND THEN THEY LEAVE YOU ALONE,THANK GOD!
I ENQUIRED ABOUT THIS AT CITIZENS ADVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S SOMETHING THAT WAS INTRODUCED LAST DECEMBER,EVEN THEY SAID IT SEEMS A COMPLETE WASTE OF PEOPLES TIME.
GOOD LUCK

jacnorm

Thanks again for the replys. He has now had the interview which went well and was exactly as you all said on here. I just wish the powers that be knew what it is like to live with terrible pain and the strain these constant checks etc put on to people who are ill. At the same time I do realise they are only doing their jobs. (Sorry just having a bit of a rant) Jacqui

sporty1

Garnet_Gem wrote: »

Sometimes I think claimants get worked up about interviews without good reason. If your OH's condition is much worse, this interview should help him to claim anything he might be entitled to but doesn't know about. The DWP is only doing it's job. If you think logically about this, if he's getting money he'll have to attend interviews periodically. It's not to catch him out. Good luck when he goes for his meeting.

I have recieved a letter this morning for one of these interviews next week, i dont make a claim, but my husband claims incapacity benefit and gets top up for me as we are husband and wife, he doesnt get dla as it was refused and he as wrote to them asking for an explanation in more detail why it was refused ( as it said you could do so.. he hasnt had a reply yet ..) Do you think they are getting at me now ( the wife ) because i dont work as i have my own health issues osteoarthritis in base of back, neck, spine, i am 45. now i dont claim any benefit for this as i refuse to go through what my husand as had to do, in filling forms in trying to prove to people that the problem exists even though it is on your gp files etc.
thanks in advance