WORK FOCUSED INTERVIEW

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

Hi Mr x,

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

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.......

Hi Gordon,

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

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