Universal credit helpp???

Shahrukh97

Hi
I’m wondering if anyone can help me. I missed a phone call appointment with my work coach. The call came up as no caller id and I don’t answer these calls because I’ve been getting a lot of prank call threats and other things from the same person which I reported to the police and they advised me to report anything further and not answer no caller id.
So long story short I didn’t answer the work coach call and I only knew it was him because he left a voice mail which said received from caller unknown. I put a message straight on my journal like he said in the voicemail and I just wanted to k ow if anyone know what will happen. I have a real legit reason why I didn’t answer and it’s the first I missed. I claim with my partner in joint claim and we have a 4 month old baby. Can anyone please advise me I need help.

Thank you::D

calcotti

Although you have put a message on your journal I suggest you ring the helpline on Monday. If you ring from the number associated with your claim you should get through (eventually) to someone dealing with your claim. Although you have left a journal message it may nt be seen for some time because my understanding is that DWP do not have the resources to check journal entries as often as they should.

You raise an interesting general point about how the work coach calls appear on the phone. The DWP may say that you should have been expecting the call as it was presumably scheduled for a particular time - however I hope they don't.

TheShape

If this was a scheduled mandatory appointment at a particular time then there is a chance you will be sanctioned for missing it. It is likely to be reasoned that you should have been expecting the call.

You should check your account to see if there is a to-do set for you to give a reason for missing the appointment (if indeed it was an appointment) and to request the appointment be re-booked. You should ensure that you respond to it and be very clear why you don't answer a 'no caller ID' call.

Calcotti: By default the number from a phone in the Jobcentre will default to not being visible, requiring a work coach/staff member to 'unblock it'. You won't find many staff members unblocking their number as it's an invitation to that number getting bombarded by calls.

calcotti

TheShape wrote: »

Calcotti: By default the number from a phone in the Jobcentre will default to not being visible, requiring a work coach/staff member to 'unblock it'. You won't find many staff members unblocking their number as it's an invitation to that number getting bombarded by calls.

Completely understand and not unexpected. It would be great if there was a way for the caller to be identified as DWP without revealing the number.
Although I understand where OP is coming from in respect of nuisance calls I do think DWP could legitimately say they should have picked up if the call was made at a scheduled time (as per my final sentence).

whizzywoo

I don't know much about Universal Credit but I am shocked that someone with a 4 month old child could be sanctioned for missing a phone call!

Babies are unpredictable and with the best will in the world it is not always possible to answer the phone whether or not the call is expected.

Surely this young lady is still on the equivalent of maternity leave and should not be expected to be looking for work!

calcotti

whizzywoo wrote: »

Surely this young lady is still on the equivalent of maternity leave and should not be expected to be looking for work!

The responsible carer (usually the mother) will not be expected to look for work. The partner will be.

whizzywoo

That's good to know Calcotti, thanks for the explanation.

calcotti

whizzywoo wrote: »

That's good to know Calcotti, thanks for the explanation.

To expand on this.
Child under 1 No work-related requirements group
Child aged 1 Work-focused interview group
Child aged 2 Work preparation group
Child aged 3 or above All work-related activity group but expectations must take into account caring responsibility.

Shahrukh97

Thanks calcotti for this reply I forgot to put that the message I put in the work coach already replied and rearranged an interview for next Wednesday so you think this is good news or bad really hoping they won’t sanction.

huckster

You should not have any mandatory appointments with a 4 month old child, as you will be in the no work related requirements group. ( edit see posts below for clarification) You will not even officially have a work coach noted on your individual claim, unless they have decided that you may still need their assistance.

Could this appointment be about making sure your claim details are correct with the child element, housing etc. Are you receiving the child eiement for your 4 month old ?

In regard to DWP calls they will come up as caller ID unknown. What you could ask for is a journal note to be added say 5 minutes before the call, so you are ready to receive the call.

calcotti

huckster wrote: »

You should not have any mandatory appointments with a 4 month old child, as you will be in the no work related requirements group. You will not even officially have a work coach noted on your individual claim, unless they have decided that you may still need their assistance.

Not clear that this is necessarily correct. OP has not said whether they are the responsible carer or the partner.