Universal credit

Sarah69

Hi, I’m asking in behalf of my son. He claims universal credit but is waiting for keyhole surgery on his hip. He didn’t attend his appt this month but has written on his journal that he can’t get there as it’s quite a long walk there and back once he has got the bus into the city centre. Also his appt was at a time when he was away on holiday. He has been sanctioned and received no money this month. He  rung them yesterday and a lady told him he could apply for a hardship loan. He’s rung today and has been told he can’t get anything until his new appt on the 13/10/21! Can anybody advise if this is correct. I don’t know what he’s supposed to do with no money? 

poppy12345

Sarah69 said:

Hi, I’m asking in behalf of my son. He claims universal credit but is waiting for keyhole surgery on his hip. He didn’t attend his appt this month but has written on his journal that he can’t get there as it’s quite a long walk there and back once he has got the bus into the city centre. Also his appt was at a time when he was away on holiday. He has been sanctioned and received no money this month. He  rung them yesterday and a lady told him he could apply for a hardship loan. He’s rung today and has been told he can’t get anything until his new appt on the 13/10/21! Can anybody advise if this is correct. I don’t know what he’s supposed to do with no money? 

I'm confused, he couldn't get to his appointment because it was too far too walk but at the same time he was away on holiday.. which one was it?

kayleighali

DWP would expect him to rearrange his appointment and make every effort to attend - perhaps asking a friend/family member for a lift - or discuss his mobility issues backed up by a doctor's letter. Unfortunately, to them it looks like he just hasn't bothered to attend...in which case a sanction would be correct.

Did he contact them before his appointment to discuss any of these issues?

poppy12345

kayleighali said:

DWP would expect him to rearrange his appointment and make every effort to attend - perhaps asking a friend/family member for a lift - or discuss his mobility issues backed up by a doctor's letter. Unfortunately, to them it looks like he just hasn't bothered to attend...in which case a sanction would be correct.

Did he contact them before his appointment to discuss any of these issues?

OP says the appointment was also at a time when he was on holiday. You claim UC as a job seeker unless a work capability assessment decision has been made where you have limited capability for work.

Alice_Holt

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/sanctions/hardship-payment/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/sanctions/if-youve-been-sanctioned/

Sarah69

He did apply for esa but was put onto universal credit. He has been having phone appt’s due to covid but now they want him to attend. He has a drs note saying he’s waiting for keyhole surgery, he’s told universal credit that he cannot walk that far. They know this but insist he attends. I work so can’t always take him, his friends work so there is no other way of getting there. Just because he’s been on holiday I don’t see what the problem is with that?! 

calcotti

Sarah69 said:Just because he’s been on holiday I don’t see what the problem is with that?! 

There is no concept of holiday on UC. You are expected to be able to meet your claimant commitments at all times.

When did he report a health condition backed up with a Fit Note and does the Fit Note say he is not fit for work?

Sarah69

This has been going on over a year now. As Ive said the sick note says he’s waiting for keyhole surgery. 

poppy12345

You can't just go on holiday and ignore your claimant commitments.

calcotti

Sarah69 said:

This has been going on over a year now. As Ive said the sick note says he’s waiting for keyhole surgery. 

Which doesn’t answer the question

calcotti said:.. does the Fit Note say he is not fit for work?

Sarah69

calcotti said:

Sarah69 said:

This has been going on over a year now. As Ive said the sick note says he’s waiting for keyhole surgery. 

Which doesn’t answer the question

calcotti said:.. does the Fit Note say he is not fit for work?

Yes it says he’s not fit for work.