I can't get to the job centre ....

[inclingv]

Hi
I was claims ESA in the support group until Feb this year.
I suffer with anxiety and can't leave the house alone /panic attacks and constant ectopic beats.
I found a home working job and after 5 days it became apparent it was too much for me.
I couldn't sleep,I was having panic attacks etc.

I tried to claim ESA again they said I would have to apply for UC and and fit notes in.
I did that and have lost nearly £300 a month.
I waited 5 weeks for first payment and haven't had a Assesment yet to get LCWRA

Now the work coach rings me every two weeks and now wants me to attend the jobcentre.
I have explained my health conditions and she said she wants me to go in fortnightly to look at my CV and talking about courses to build my confidence.

It's too much,it's more stressful than the job.
If I say no they will sanction me won't they ?

I don't know how il get there.
I can't walk so it would be a taxi there and back.
I can't go alone so will need to ask a friend.

My previous work coach let me do telephone apts

What can I do ?

I know the week leading up to this appointment I won't sleep.
I don't know how il get from the taxi inside and then if she's running late il have to wait.
I don't know with it being autumn now i will have to wear a thicker coat and if it's too hot inside the job centre it's going to trigger my missed heartbeats
It's all a big big mess

Speak to your GP? They may be able to write a letter concerning your health issues. But I don't know the processes, hopefully someone will come along who does.

But I do know GPs can get you support from connected services.

Im having fortnightly apts with the community psychiatric team and i am waiting for CBT too

Are you claiming PIP?

I'm not no.
I can't go through that whole process it's too daunting.

Hi, they have changed the rules following covid restrictions lifting, and are really strict at the moment about face to face appointments being mandatory - bit like the old system of having to sign on every 2 weeks for your giro.
Work coaches are not currently allowed to use discretionary telephone appointments, although sometimes, if someone is on a fit note, face to face appointments can be reduced to once every month.
Unfortunately the assessments for limited capability for work are taking aggggeess atm.
Are you on pip?
If your are on a fit note they won't make you apply for work. They just want to know that you are actively trying to improve your situation try to use the time to ask about local support networks. There might be some good provisions that you haven't heard of.

Have you spoke to your team about your worries? They hopefully can point you in the right direction to get help. Other than that go to Citizen's Advice and get them to help you with it.

Assuming youve done the UC50? You won't have LCW/RA while waiting for an assessment, but your WC should take any medical evidence you provide into consideration when determining your commitments in the meantime.

I sent the UC50 back in March and apparently I'm in the queue.
I tried explaining that I can't leave the house hence the fit notes ...
There's absolutely nothing different she can do in the jobcentre she can't do on the phone.
It's like she's putting me through hell for nothing.

Most citizens advice offices will complete PIP forms for you, please PM me if you want to check the services your local office offers x

I thought you could claim back the travel expenses? Or is that only to job interviews?

It's not the cost of getting there that's the problem ..it's the fact I can't physically do it.
I can't imagine myself being able to get there

If you are not offended by the suggestion, a church may help or have contact with charities/volunteers that can.

Tell your WC via your journal that you cannot come in. Provide as much evidence as possible - doctors letters, your last ESA award letter etc. They have to be reasonable.

@inclingv

Im having fortnightly apts with the community psychiatric team and i am waiting for CBT too

Get someone from there to write a letter saying you can't attend due to your panic attacks mean you don't leave the house (or whatever the truth ofghe matter is). The work coach is trying to force you to do what you can't, so they can say that you can do it and put it down to loss of confidence instead of a medical issue. The DWP staff aren't there to help you, they're there to get you off benefits.

Are your fortnightly appointments face to face? Do you never leave the house?

My fortnight Apts I've started walking round the block whilst on the phone to my CPN
We are gonna start going a bit further each time.
That's it
Except to my dads but he picks me up.

The jobcentre started off fortnightly on the phone but the new work coach wants face to face now.

I have an relative with a similar health problem. She claims PIP I believe. She’s had to go to a similar pointless interview at one point and another family when with her to advocate. She can’t just speak on the phone or leave the house, she doesn’t leave the house and hasn’t done anything other than visit a food shop once a fortnight for more than forty years!
I feel your pain OP, do you have someone who can speak on your behalf?

@ShittyGlitter yeah I have my dad
He comes with me to my apts etc

Deep breaths firstly you did good thing trying a job it failed and you need to back on system that’s what it’s there for. You need someone else to try fight this for you a support worker or charity advisor who can make calls and help you get support. There has to be way when people can’t physically leave their home to get support without being told sorry computer says no. They can’t just leave you to starve if you are agoraphobic or bed bound.

Would you be able to get there if you did have person with you in a taxi if day it was first appointment of the day so no waiting? Obviously it’s easier if you can do this with support even though you will struggle.

If you can’t reach out to charity or local groups who can help and even your MP that’s why they are there.

@inclingv

I'm not no. I can't go through that whole process it's too daunting.

You have to. It's all interlinked. They'll be using the fact you're not claiming PIP to mean you're not entitled to PIP ie they'll be assuming you're not disabled by your condition.

It’s ridiculous that they can’t do phone appointments as a reasonable adjustment for service users who can’t attend the job centre. Or they could offer home visits if they really want to look at your face. Or a zoom call. Honestly in this day and age, particularly in the aftermath of covid there is absolutely no reason why they should be insisting you must attend in person.

Could your Dad take you to the Job Centre ?
You need to try CAB to help you with the PIP forms.