Job centre appointment

[dontwantbenefitbutforcedtonoworksuitable]

I am wondering what could be the consequence of this

My 1st appointment last week, I cancelled because I was ill and I was assured no sanction and appointment scheduled for today but to be honest I have no money at all to get there on the bus or petrol on the car and I can't walk to the job centre because I am not fit enough medically

I want to message the job centre to say I can not make to the appointment because of the above reason but wondering if it makes sense but then it is my/the truth & there is nothing I can do about it. I don't even know what I am going to feed my 2 kids for lunch when they get back from sch and supper before bed today or tomorrow.

You'd be well advised to message them. They might have advice or be able to inform you of any consequences.

In my experience the job centre don’t care why you can’t attend- they just require you to get there anyway. They often offer to re-imburse bus fair once you’ve arrived at the job centre but that doesn’t help with the up-front cost.

you can usually get away with being ill and missing one appointment but after that they will come down on you like a ton of bricks and possibly sanction you. Sorry OP I know it’s so hard but you really have to try your hardest to get there (of course send a message on your journal in advance explaining no money etc- but in my experience they are not very sympathetic!)

wrt food for later today and onwards. Do you have local food banks or food pantries | community fridges? Olio app?

Do you have any Sikh gudhwaras nearby, they often have community meals that anyone can go to?

You can usually get away with missing one, but not two in a row.

You'd probably end up sanctioned I'm afraid.

Not guaranteed to work but.....

Focus on the health thing and ask, either by phone or via your journal, if they can do it my phone or video. This is called a reasonable adjustment'.

Sometimes they'll see people at home but the downside of that is wait time.

Job Centre front of house staff are not always clued up on disability/adjustments, particularly where they realte to mental health rather than physical disability. You may need to explain that reasonable adjustments are a thing in Equality Law and that DWP are obliged to act in a way that ensures you're treated properly and not put at a disadvantage.

I thought so too that they will start to spit fire if I don't go.
I will send them a message about money & reimbursement & then go in the piggy bank for coins to get the bus there 🤦🏾‍♀️😭😭😭

@2024Hackathon thanks but I don't know any of those around but I am sure there are but never had to use them before. I guess, I will have to dig out those forgotten peas & Yorkshire puddings in the freezer which the kids don't like but we have no choice now

@Bromptotoo 🤔 I will message them 1st asking for phone appointment & if they say no I will go 2with coins from my piggy bank

If you have to travel, it might be worth asking the local FB or searching to see if there are food sources for you (food banks, pantry, community fridge etc.) near the JC.

Do you receive PIP?

@spearthatbroc I should be and I was getting it for over 10years until I lost it not because I was miraculously cured or healed but because I said I have some days once in a blue moon when I am able to go to my local pharmacy to get my medication if my PA calls in sick

I have messaged Jobcentre to ask for reasonable adjustment and conduct the interview over the phone if possible and that I have no money etc and I am waiting for a reply. They are always quick to reply or rather the agent I am to meet is good at replying swiftly

If you’re in the Midlands the job centre can send a daysaver bus ticket to your email address. No up front costs required

So what are you going to do re feeding your children if you literally don’t have anything in and don’t have enough for a bus fare (or rather just about)

you have the appointment today

why have you left it until today to address this?

i think it is the short notice that pisses them off.

Are you on ESA? I'm surprised they didn't offer you a phone interview if you are?

@spearthatbroc I just checked my freezer and found some meatballs, found leftover pasta sauce in the fridge, half a packet of macaroni in the cupboard and (I have some wrap date on it is 13/1/24but looks ok) line a pie dish with it and I can whisk some a couple of eggs and meatballs pour in the pie dish lined with wrap and put in the oven. We will have to make do with this for today

@AgnesX I am not on ESA. I was working until end of November

you have rescheduled once

you are now considering doing again on the actual day of the appointment m

I think you need to raid that piggy bank, get on the bus, and keep to your commitment.

OK, I asked as you'd said you were medically unfit to walk.

I don't know much about what's expected but would getting a sick note help?

I have now got a reply back thank God.

can see that you have declared several (serious) health issues via your account, and as such will call you at the appointment time. Would also ask to contact your GP (when possible) to discuss gaining a FIT NOTE from them to reflect your health situation. Will discuss further tomorrow.

I have sick notes already but waiting for a new one .

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice much appreciated

That looks like a result.

The fit note is important if you are struggling with finding work due to health. It will 'switch on' the process for a Work Capability Assessment and help with easements on Work Related Activity in the meantime.

Here to suggest the Olio app for free food if that helps

Thank you all once again

You need a Fit Note and they'll send you their awful UC50 form. Once you've completed it, they'll hopefully put you in the Support Group.

Re PIP - you need to reapply. And take them to a tribunal if they turn you down.