Work focused interview

Hi

I have only been receiving ESA since the end of December 2014 so I'm still in the assessment phase and have not been called for a medical yet.

Today I received a letter stating I need to attend a work focused interview next week.

Is this normal for the assessment phase?......Or could it mean I've been placed in a group already?

Hi Daisycat,

The only ESA claimants who do not have to undertake WFIs, if asked to do so, are those in the Support Group or people who have an active ESA claim but are not receiving any payment. That means that people still in the assessment phase can, and are, obliged to undertake WFIs. Therefore, I'm afraid that you cannot draw any conclusions from this.

It might be possible to have the WFI carried out over the phone, although this is entirely at the discretion of the advisor. They do have to take into account any special needs that you have as a result of your condition. You can try phoning the number on the appointment letter and speaking to the advisor about this.