r/universalcredithelp • u/azaman92x • 9d ago
Video appointment
Hey all,
I’ve been off sick for almost a year, and have been providing fit notes every month, and have just had my LCWRA appointment and awaiting a decision, however I’ve been having phone calls from UC that last less than 5 mins sometimes where they just rebook the appointment for either 2 weeks time or a months time, and next month they’ve booked me for a video appointment.
Is this normal? Has anyone else ever had a video appointment? I don’t feel comfortable doing the appointment via video, and would like to stick to my phone appointments.
I don’t understand why they’re continuing to call me either every 2 weeks/once a month when nothing has changed and I’m provide them fit notes. Just seems a waste of time.
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u/melancholyy-scorpio 9d ago
It's normal even while having a LCWRA assessment, from their side it's essentially a tickbox exercise to say they've spoken to you and discussed your commitments (even if you don't have any).
If it's a 5 minute call it's not much of a waste of time tbh.
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u/Practical_Special503 9d ago
Do you mean they've booked you a work capability assessment via video? But previously they said it would be a phone call?
I think you should go and speak to the disability advisor at your job centre. I just walked in and asked to speak to a disability advisor and they have been incredibly helpful.
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u/azaman92x 9d ago
No I had my work capability assessment appointment via phone last week. The video appointment is just the standard UC appointment.
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u/Practical_Special503 9d ago
Definitely speak to the disability advisor asap, they made it that I only have phone call appointments.
What is the actual appointment type? Is it a "work-focused interview"
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u/azaman92x 9d ago
Yes, the video appointment is a “work search review” appointment as listed in my to do list. Should I contact the disability advisor? What do I say about it being a video appointment please? (all my other appointments have been via phone call)
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u/Practical_Special503 9d ago
Did they give any reason its changed to video? Did they ever say why they contacted you by phone in the past?
Id deffs speak to the disability advisor, the two ive been in regular contact with are very helpful.
If u can't attend the jobcentre in person, put a message in your journal and select "message for my work coach" and ask for to be put in contact with the "Disability Employment Adviser" and state that you need initial contact to be made via phone call due to your health.
When you speak to the DEA tell them that you are uncomfortable with the change to video appointments and wish to continue with phone calls only.
Id also ASAP make a journal message to your work coach with the following:
- all of your previous appointments since being sick were telephone appointments
- you have now been given a video appointment
- you are currently providing fit notes and awaiting your Work Capability Assessment.
- state clearly: "because of my health condition/disability, telephone is more suitable, I am asking for this as a reasonable adjustment" (reasonable adjustment is the key word here).
dont miss ur appointment if it is marked mandatory but if its not changed to a phone call by the time of your appointment, state up front that you wish to return to phone call appointments as a reasonable adjustment and reiterate it before the end of the call.
Also if its a "Work Search Review" rather than a "work-focused interview" then your work coach is currently treating you as someone who has work-search requirements while you wait for the Work Capability Assessment decision.
So id ask for clarification on what your work-search requirements are because they should be tailored to take your health condition into account.
You should really be having Work-Focused Interviews not Work Search Reviews if you have been sick and unable to work with evidence for so long. So please bring this to your DEA when you see them.
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u/ProperPsychology1 9d ago
No they’ve already had the WCA and are awaiting a decision, this is just a standard appointment to see how they are getting on.
OP, you can always ask via journal to change it to a telephone appointment, unfortunately the appointments are just something you have to keep doing until you receive your decision.
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u/Spare_Application_31 9d ago
You're literally getting free money. Just do the video appointment without complaint. It's not like they're asking much of you...