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WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW

  • mr x
  • Topic Author
11 years 10 months ago - 11 years 10 months ago #85906 by mr x
WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW was created by mr x
Hi, I am in receipt of ESA I am in the support group.
Mf wife works between 10 and 20 hours per week .DWP know this.
she has been told she must attend a work focused interview to discuss returning to work . SHE IS WORKING ,
I have spoken to my local Job centre and explained this but they still insist she attends.
Is the fact she IS working a good enough reason to refuse to attend the WFI ?
We feel the intview will be of no benefit to us.
Thank you
Any help appreciated
Last edit: 11 years 10 months ago by slugsta.

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11 years 10 months ago #85907 by slugsta
Replied by slugsta on topic Re:WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW
Hi Mr x,

Is your ESA claim in joint names with your wife? If not, is your wife claiming any other benefit?

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11 years 10 months ago #85909 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW
mr x

As far as I can see, the only exclusion to a partner being required to attend a WFI is if they are providing substantial care;

53016 Partners of claimants receiving ESA are required to take part in a WfI as a condition of the claimant continuing to receive the full rate of benefit1 (see DMG 05520). However a partner who is undertaking significant long term caring responsibilities that make the prospect of work, paid or unpaid, unlikely at the present time may have their WfI deferred.


You also need to be aware that should your wife fail to attend then there is the possibility that your ESA can be sanctioned.

I'll admit it makes no sense, but unless she is excused in writing, then she must attend.

Gordon

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11 years 10 months ago #85916 by poppy
Replied by poppy on topic Re:WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW
i know how you feel!! i have been in reciept of esa for 4 years! ive just started a couple claim. as my partner is waiting for a LIVER TRANSPLANT.. and he has got to go for a work focus interview next week....... :(

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11 years 10 months ago #85917 by slugsta
Replied by slugsta on topic Re:WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW
Hi Gordon,

This is new to me - does that refer to people who have a joint claim?

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  • pete17971
11 years 10 months ago - 11 years 10 months ago #85918 by pete17971
Replied by pete17971 on topic Re:WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW
Mrs Hurtyback wrote:

Hi Gordon,

This is new to me - does that refer to people who have a joint claim?


I think the rationale behind partners of claimants attending WFI's is due to the fact the Income Related ESA claimant (or those claiming an Income Related 'top up' for their partner) would be claiming an allowance for a spouse/partner.

Unless the partner is working 24 hours or more per week (in which case IR ESA entitlement would cease) then the government are of the view that the partner should work unless providing substantial caring duties. Hence they have to attend WFI's.

As Gordon said, a partners failure to attend can lead to ones ESA being subject to a financial sanction.

Pete
Last edit: 11 years 10 months ago by pete17971.

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