Universal Credit / Going Abroad - missing appointment?

the_tired_one

I hope you guys can assist a neighbour of mine.

Her & her husband are receiving Universal Credit & her husband has quite a few health issues but receives no ESA or PIP type elements - he is unable to work. She is a 'house-wife'

Husband gets called for Job centre appointments every 3 months and she gets called in every 4 weeks. They have 3 kids under 10.

She stays home looking after the youngest and her husband, as an unofficial carer - not receiving PIP or any carers allowance,

He father is critically ill abroad and she is going in 2 days time on the 26th but has an appointment at the JC on 27th Jan.


1) Can they cancel this appointment?

2) What if she has not returned by the time of any new scheduled appointment? Can their UC be closed and Housing Benefit be affected etc?

3) Their experiences with Job Centre/UC staff have been absoultely horrendous - zero empathy, zero common sense being applied to their situation, zero understanding.

Who should they contact to explain their situation?

She is highly stressed about her father's health and more stressed about what could happen if she goes abroad and has to stay for a few weeks and the affect on their UC.

I don't have any real experience or understanding of UC so can't aassist in any way.

Thanks for reading

[Deleted User]

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad

the_tired_one

venison wrote: »

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad

Thanks - They are non-EU so I am guessing they'll come down harder on them?

pmlindyloo

This link will be useful for you.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/298762/response/727736/attach/2/FOI%204569%20reply.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

Under UC regulations a claimant is allowed to go abroad for a month and longer in special circumstances.

However, any work related requirement s according to their claimant commitment must be carried out even when abroad, including any Job Centre appointments. Otherwise sanctions may apply.

It is difficult to comment any further without knowing your neighbours claimant commitments.

Your neighbour needs to contact Job Centre Plus, explain the circumstances and see whether any 'leeway' may be given in the circumstances.

Rubyroobs

If the husband has health issues which affect his ability to work , is he handing in sick notes to Uc ?

the_tired_one

Rubyroobs wrote: »

If the husband has health issues which affect his ability to work , is he handing in sick notes to Uc ?

Yes he does regularly

the_tired_one

pmlindyloo wrote: »

This link will be useful for you.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/298762/response/727736/attach/2/FOI%204569%20reply.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

Under UC regulations a claimant is allowed to go abroad for a month and longer in special circumstances.

However, any work related requirement according to their claimant commitment must be carried out even when abroad, including any Job Centre appointments. Otherwise sanctions may apply.

It is difficult to comment any further without knowing your neighbours claimant commitments.

Your neighbour needs to contact Job Centre Plus, explain the circumstances and see whether any 'leeway' may be given in the circumstances.

I only know as much as I posted and don't like to probe or ask any more than told.

I don't understand what you mean by 'neighbours claimant commitments' - but I'll pass on info from that link. Thanks. It is very useful!

calcotti

the_tired_one wrote: »

.I don't understand what you mean by 'neighbours claimant commitments'!

Each UC claimant has to a agree to a set of claimant commitments which set out what they are required to do in return for receiving UC. These commitments differs for different people. Without knowing what your neighbour is expected to do it is difficult to say how an absence could impact their claim.

the_tired_one

calcotti wrote: »

Each UC claimant has to a agree to a set of claimant commitments which set out what they are required to do in return for receiving UC. These commitments differs for different people. Without knowing what your neighbour is expected to do it is difficult to say how an absence could impact their claim.

So this info will be in some contract that they would have signed at the start of UC? HArd copy or online? THanks again

tomtom256

the_tired_one wrote: »

So this info will be in some contract that they would have signed at the start of UC? HArd copy or online? THanks again

It's all online, from their home page select commitments.