Universal Credit refusing to attend appointment

Inoshe

I started work at the beginning of the month but had to attend an appointment. They said it was because I hadn't been paid yet. I have to use a stick to get around so have to take a cab to get to their office (I work from home). They said I would have to have another interview later in the month because I would still not have been paid but said I could do it over the phone.

The interview was scheduled for Wednesday but as I'm working they rescheduled it for Saturday and they are insisting I come into their office. I received my first months salary today and I definitely no long qualify for any benefit. I explained this on the journal as well as reminding them they said they would do it over the phone. They again insisted that I go to their office. 

I am minded to just not turn up. Is there anything they can do if I just do not go.

NedS

If you do not attend (without good reason) then you can be sanctioned - they would stop your money. However, if you have been paid, and your earnings mean that you will not be entitled to receive any UC this month then there is nothing to sanction, so in effect, no, there is nothing they can do.

If you are certain your earnings are of a level that you will not receive any UC, I would simply write on your journal that you have started work, have now been paid and would like to close your claim, and that solves any issues. It all sounds like the work coach being a bit petty to me - they should be able to look on the system (RTI) and see you are working and have been paid. I assume you have Reported a Change for Work and Earnings in your UC online account rather than just informing them on the journal notes?

Inoshe

NedS said:

If you do not attend (without good reason) then you can be sanctioned - they would stop your money. However, if you have been paid, and your earnings mean that you will not be entitled to receive any UC this month then there is nothing to sanction, so in effect, no, there is nothing they can do.

If you are certain your earnings are of a level that you will not receive any UC, I would simply write on your journal that you have started work, have now been paid and would like to close your claim, and that solves any issues. It all sounds like the work coach being a bit petty to me - they should be able to look on the system (RTI) and see you are working and have been paid. I assume you have Reported a Change for Work and Earnings in your UC online account rather than just informing them on the journal notes?

They have known I was working since the 4th of April when I reported it. My previous interview all they asked me were things I had already put in my journal.

I put it in the journal that I was not going to attend and reiterated the reasons why and they have now said they will do it over the phone 😀