WFI not what I expected

Hello Forum
Well the day arrived, the WFI was not as I thought it woul be, very few questions were asked, took about 10 minutes in front of the advisor.

Asked name, address etc, then asked have you put in an appeal ? I replied yes, at this point the advisor looked for some info from the computer screen and said , yes I see you have an appeal lodged, at this point I was asked if I own my own property, probably for future claims in other departments I am thinking.

I was asked how I got there, then I was told that the WFI was over !!! so, only conclusion I can draw is that my appeal has at the present time had some impact, maybe the JCP are not going to put there neck on the line and make me do some work and then find it back fires on them.

I asked the advisor when I would be seing them again but they could/would not give an answer so thats my experience of the WFI, maybe it will stop some of the worries some people have about the WFI process.

I would sat that the JCP advisor was pleasent during this visit.

Regards, Derek

Hi Derekq and everyone,

My WFI last week was very similar to yours. The adviser was very pleasant and quite understanding and told me it should only take 10-15 minutes. In the end it took much longer just because he gave me some more info about mental health and we were talking for a while.

I was also asked about who owns my house and pays the council tax plus background about my work history and illness.

When I mentioned that I was subject to the 365 day limit he suggested I try to apply for DLA (before it ends) and asked if I was appealing (I'm not). To conclude, I was relieved but still confused about this ESA business and wishing I was still " languishing " on IB!

Take care and good luck

Hi Hundi
Thanks for your post on the WFI experience, I came away with the feeling that the advisors are well drilled in there manner and approach although they keep it well hidden.

Unfortunatly they have the power to make us jump through hoops should they feel it was approiate, I am constantly "on guard" as I believe the system is totally unbalanced and probably will remain so, but as said at the WFI, I was treated with curticey

It does seem we had a simular WFI experience, its a pity that you are not going to appeal !!!

The days of "languishing" on IB somehow never felt relaxed due to my medical conditions that have gradually deteorated, at least then there wasen't this constant mental stress there, but now we all have the feeling unease and not able to rest, even if you get into the SG they will call you for another medical as and when they want.

I wish you the very best for the future, take good care, good luck.

Regards, Derek

Derekq

I think we were at a similar stage in our ESA journey. I remember seeing a post from you a week or so ago, and knew you were anxious about WFI.

I had first WFI last week. Was asked about finance etc. then advised on applying for an additional benefit I wasn't aware I was eligible for. Also asked about appeal. When I said I had appealed the adviser emailed the Decision Maker asking telling them that in her opinion I should not be in WRAG and that she believed my appeal should be accelerated. Result, I received a phone call from DWP same day, and a letter a few days later to say the reconsideration had gone in my favour and I was in support group. So hopefully, you will soon receive similar news. Surely the JC+ staff do not want to be 'lumbered" with those of us who quite obviously are not going to be able to do the WRAG.

Best of luck

PC

What was the relevance of asking you if you owned your house? That has created a new worry for me!!

Sorry, did not want to raise anxiety levels!

Forgot to say in previous post that I was told that the following WFIs would be over the phone.

I also got the impression that the advisor could see I was a hopeless case re. working and at my age (nearly 58), perhaps I should have appealed.

Good luck !