To think universal credit has been designed in order to sanction people

[Ireallyhateuc]

Appointment changed without my knowledge, letter arrives after the appointment is due. Get an unexpected text to say I missed an appointment.

Why don't they text you when an appointment has been changed? Or on the day of an appointment? They are very good at sending messages when you are in the wrong and claw back money.

That's now a sanction of 15 days, thanks

For people who can cope with computers, anyway.

*The NHS have famously for years informed people that their appointment was yesterday and then they wonder why people don't turn up to appointments.

I’ve been under the NHS for years and never has this happen*

I deal with one particular department who has the dates of when the letter was dictated, when it was typed up and when it went to the post room for sending out to the patient.

For instance as an example latest letter stated the letter was dictated 3 days before the appointment, it was typed up 5 days later and sent to the post room a week later.
I received it a month later. Together with the letter that said as I had missed the appointment they were discharging me and if I actually needed to see them then I should visit my gp to be referred.

They have a sign in their waiting room saying how many thousands of patients didn't turn up for their appointment.

When you tell them they are fully aware of the situation but seem unable to actually do anything to change the system.

Its our system to blame. Is the usual response.
I have no idea why they employ people to type up these letters or waste money on postage sending out appointments that no patient could possibly get to.

Why not just ring in and get your appointment instead of waiting to be told 6 months later that you have missed your appointment

No wonder the NHS is on its knees.

The whole system is completely shambolic. How ironic it is that applicants can only apply for Universal Credit online, yet staff are sending out letters in the post rather than using text or email.

Yanbu it’s utter shit

Oliversmum I have friends who work for the NHSin admin roles and have said exactly the same. What a complete waste of money.

I believe that when people are sanctioned, they are taken out of the equation of 'unemployed'.

So when the government say they have the lowest unemployment in years, it's actually because they have sanctioned so many people.

We are applying at the moment and tbh I'm surprised I haven't been asked for stool/urine/blood samples yet. They system seems set against you.

Hugs op, it's fucking shit

I’m sorry but these threads make me really cross when people peddle myths and say “ I think “” xyz. It’s bad enough that people are falling through the cracks as it is without scaremongering. So many people come on these threads saying they are scared if they need to claim UC...don’t people realise they might actually stop someone from claiming because they’ve listened to rubbish? The bit about sanctioned people not counting in statistics and that’s why they do it is utter bollocks .

OP I'm so sorry. Please do contact Citizens Advice. They're here to help, and will be incredibly helpful.

Also try contacting Turn2Us, who may be able to offer grants and financial help www.turn2us.org.uk/.

I am so sorry this has happened to you try to appeal although I know it can be no good sometimes I'm dreading when our tax credits switch to UC

Wait until some of the Christmas retail temps have to attend in work conditioniality appointments in work time leaving their shop floor short staffed for periods at the busiest time of the year Then the penny will drop with more employers.

Its already dropped with the owner of Next.

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/tory-peer-and-next-boss-simon-wolfson-slams-insane-universal-credit_uk_59e9aca9e4b0df10767c1802

The bit about sanctioned people not counting in statistics and that’s why they do it is utter bollocks

Apologies. They are NOT included in the count if the do not sign on whilst their sanction is in place.

Thanks for all the advice, I mean I won't starve but it was hard enough as it was, more lentils, sink flannel washes and I can forget about the luxury of having a bath until the new year!

I've appealed and it's been sent off apparently.

There is an emergency loan I can take out, but it's apparently just 60% of what UC was and obviously it's just a loan. I understand I'm still fortunate though and really worry if it's rolled out to everyone