Universal Credit Interview Even I work Full time?

JohnnyWelsh

I've had to make a claim for universal credit do to a change in circumstances. I was previously getting tax credits and small amount of housing benefits but this is changing. I work fulltime and I earn around £24k per annum. I don't understand why I need the interview? I've completed the online verification. I'm a single parent of 3 kids, 2 of whom are toddlers who are not yet in education so this interview is very very inconvenient. I'm just wondering what the purpose is.

calcotti

The short answer is "it's the rules" but i appreciate that's not very helpful. The intention is for the work coach to confirm your circumstances and determine what conditions will be applied to your claim in respect of work search etc. You will then be required to sign a Claimant Commitment. If you do not do this your claim will be closed.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/prepare-for-your-interview/

Details of the interview should be in your online journal.

In your circumstances there may not be any work search conditionality but the initial claim process makes no distinction between different claimants.

DWP are not great respecters of claimant's convenience.

sportsarb

What is the name of the interview you have to attend?

JohnnyWelsh

I think it's a generic interview that everyone attends. Seems like a waste of my time and theirs.

[Deleted User]

If you want the benefit then I'm afraid you have to go for the interview, if its inconvenient during your working hours some JC+ open late one night a week and some open Saturday mornings.

tomtom256

There may still be things they have to verify at this interview, i.e. bank details, housing costs, childcare costs and issue you a personal security number.

It may seem pointless but if not verified you won't get the full entitlement and with out the security number you may not be able to access your account or report any changes

naturaljazz

The JC do a verifying interview, so documentation. you get your Journal and online account showing payments due after that. I lost half a day pay when I had mine some 12 months ago, as work (a school) would not pay me even though I had to attend or my money would be stopped.