confused about Work Focus Interview

Hello

I am really confused as to why I receive a WORK FOCUS INTERVIEW letter out of the blue. I currently receive IB and had my 2nd medical assessment in 2 yrs this JAN 2010. I provided info from my Consultant psychiatrist (as suffering from depression whereby medication and regular therapy) and also from my consultant gynaecologist (as am awaiting an operation)

At the medical test, the ‘doctor’ was sympathetic as I am 28 and have always worked since graduating university..and she said that I would hear from them in the coming months.

Since Jan I have not heard anything from DWP until yesterday when I receive this letter, I am distressed by this- as it’s the only piece of correspondence that I have got this year --surely if I am too sick too work f/t what is the point of sending Work Focus Interview letter?

I am thinking of contacting them stating the above, and also say that I can provide info from both my consultants… would this help? And what is this ‘work focus interview’ about anyway??? and the centre they have scheduled is over an hour away!!

Thanks

If you are on IB, you will normally have to attend WFIs unless you are exempt the PCA. However, since you have had a medical, this suggests that you are not exempt, and therefore you will have to attend WFIs. It is possible to defer or waive them if it would be
"*of assistance to the person concerned; or
*appropriate in the circumstaces"

Your mental state may make it appropriate to defer the interview.

(For those on ESA, please note that if you are in the work related activity group, you can only defer not waive.)

Thanks, I got a sick note from my consultant pyschiatrist, so will put that in letter to them, to defer the WFI- & my consultant said he would be happy to write a letter if the sick note is not good enough.