How Many WFI's?

Hi all:)

I recently moved from IB to ESA after being on IB for 12 years and have a question regarding the frequency and number of WFI's I have to attend.

My first interview was last week, not an enjoyable experience as I thought the adviser was too pushy, like she wanted a result no matter what.
My health issues are Angina, high blood pressure and deep depression, at times almost to suicidal levels.

During the interview, I asked how many how many interviews I would have to attend, as, to be honest, I hate meeting people and find it very uncomfortable.

I was told that the interviews were unlimited, and if she wanted, I could be made to attend every day, though my next one is in 2 weeks time.

Tried looking on DirectGov and numerous other government sites, but, cannot find anywhere where it states how many.
Doing a search on this forum, it appears to be 6 interviews, is that right?

As an aside, I am yet another one who did not have to attend the medical, but got put in the workgroup.
The other downside is I am on contribution based ESA (from 2 August 2011) and will lose the benefit totally as my wife works full time.
Will probably lose my car as well when PIP rears it's ugly head

Disabled people, the new lepers of society

Thanks for a smashing site with lots of good info

Steve

Thanks for the info Gordon

I admit to still being confused as to how many I will need to go to, hope it's not too many as with my temperament,I may tell them to stuff it even though we need the money

Steve

I was told that the interviews were unlimited, and if she wanted, I could be made to attend every day, though my next one is in 2 weeks time.

What a horrible sounding women. I'm stunned that she's demanding that you attend so many interviews, thats on par with someone claiming JSA isn't it?

Also her demands aren't taking into consideration your illness is it? Have you tried getting your GP to write a letter explaining more fully your problems. Yes, you have to attend wfi but I also remember reading somewhere that they should be taking into consideration your health problems and tailoring these meetings accordingly. If you're not happy with how she's treating you have you thought of complaining?

I never realised that you could be forced to attend more then the recommended one meeting a month.

I'm really starting to get very concerned about all this I really am.

Hi Steve

I agree with Just Me that it's worth considering a complaint and clarification on whether what you were told was correct (although it obviously wasn't).

I think I'll be recording my interviews.

Just Me, even JSA claimants only have to sign-on fortnightly.

Regards

Derek