HELP! CAN'T ATTEND WFI - GOT LESS THAN 3 DAYS NOTI

I am in a bit of panic and hope someone can advise me

I was moved from IB to ESA [contribution based] at the end of the summer - put into WRAG - am appealing the group.

I got a letter today - dated 15 January, and postmarked 27 January calling me to a WFI on 4 February.

I will not be able to attend this because I am going to stay with my sister who lives abroad and am leaving on Monday morning 3 Feb

What do I do???

Can I get the personal adviser to do it over the phone? or ask her to bring the interview forward?

do I explain that I will be away for 3 weeks and ask for it to be deferred until I return and try to arrange a different date?

I am not trying to dodge the interview - and I don't want to have my benefit sanctioned and all of the complications with trying to sort that out but don't know what to do - if anyone can advise me fairly quickly that would be great because I need to do something either today or tomorrow - am running out of time fast

I know that reasonableness doesn't come into it with the DWP but surely it is not reasonable to expect someone to comply with a demand like that at what is short notice by any standards under the threat of sanctions??

thanks
Steph
Steph

Steph wrote:
What do I do???

Can I get the personal adviser to do it over the phone? or ask her to bring the interview forward?

do I explain that I will be away for 3 weeks and ask for it to be deferred until I return and try to arrange a different date?


thanks
Steph
Steph

All of these are potentially viable options. I have known clients who have had WFI done by telephone and I have known clients who have rearranged WFI's. You could phone the adviser and discuss your options with them.

Hi Steph
I was the same as you, migrated from IB to WRAG the appealed to be placed in the support group.
I phoned the JC advisor and explained to her my condition and that I was appealing
She cancelled the appointment and did not contact me again
I also sent her a copy of the confirmation letter from the DWP that I was appealing

As Gordon has advised you must notify the DWP if you are away from home, even if it's just for a day.

From : The Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008, section 157 (1) (d)

Is, without good cause, absent from the claimant’s place of residence without leaving word with the Secretary of State where the claimant may be found.