Support group ESA to UC

Thanks. I asked if it was mandatory and he says yes, and my claim could be closed if I do not attend.

I asked what my appointment specifically was for, and was told to discuss training and educational courses. Nothing about ID.

Hi David and Xepher - this is remarkably like my situation this time last year. I was told the same as Xepher that if I didn't attend the JC for the appt I'd have my new UC claim stopped.

My partner had been on my ESA claim as a carer so he only attended the once - he had to be part of my UC claim despite being SP age. I had 3 appts at the JC to establish the claim - I have a a passport I've never used to travel , I just have it for work ID purposes in the UK. The JC work coach or admin took nearly an hour to validate my passport! I sat there apprehensively wondering what was going on, I haven't left the UK ! Lived in the same area all my life. I know the DWP systems, if you put someone's NINO in you can trace work history right back to leaving school. So the passport "over checking" was ridiculous and demeaning.

The UC interview was at the JC I worked in! It was very humiliating to go along unwell and dishevelled, I'd put much effort into being "smart" when working there. I felt so awful it was hard going to sit through, I now realise it wasn't right to put me under that pressure.

It is of concern that the Work Coaches are shortly to be expected to be on a par with a medical graduate/doctor and assess health and capacity for work. If they can't follow case work via their computers I don't know how they'll assess complex health needs.

If I were you Xepher I'd get onto the CAB, the gov has funded it to help with UC claims. If you can get the CAB to handle the transition from ESA to UC with you the DWP can't fob you off.

I'm considering a complaint now but in your case it could all be avoided by CAB assistance now, they will have the "authority" to validate you claim and take on board the points David has mentioned here.

All the best. K