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How Many WFI's?

  • qashqai
  • Topic Author
12 years 6 months ago #66815 by qashqai
How Many WFI's? was created by qashqai
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 :angry:

Thanks for a smashing site with lots of good info :)

Steve

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12 years 6 months ago #66820 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:How Many WFI's?
Steve

THe Decision Makers Guide (53021), refers to an intial assessment interview followed by five further interviews either with JCP staff or an employee of a suitable provider.

However, there is no definition in the ESA Regulations 2008 (the act of law), as to the number of WFIs that can be held!

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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12 years 6 months ago #66821 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:How Many WFI's?
Just to add.

Having just gone back through the actual legislation and the operational procedures again, there is no change to the statement

All claimants in the WRAG who are required to take part in a WfI

The conditions for being required are;

1. entitled to ESA or an advance award of ESA has been made (DMG Chapter 45) and
2. not a member of the support group and
3. under the age at which a woman of the same age as the claimant attains pensionable age (see DMG 41014) and
4.not a person who is only entitled to ESA(Cont) payable at nil rate.


Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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  • qashqai
  • Topic Author
12 years 6 months ago #66827 by qashqai
Replied by qashqai on topic Re:How Many WFI's?
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

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12 years 6 months ago #66829 by s.jmoore@blueyonder.co.uk
Replied by s.jmoore@blueyonder.co.uk on topic Re:How Many WFI's?

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. :blink:

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

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12 years 6 months ago #66831 by Derek4
Replied by Derek4 on topic Re:How Many WFI's?
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

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