Am I right that the new regs (SS (Incapacity Benefit Work-focused Interviews) regs 08) mean that from 15/12/08 the wfis can no longer be waived, only deferred?

I am concerned about the impact that this is going to have on carers claiming IS or IB. Has anyone noticed any change in practice?

Even if the wfis are repeatedly deferred this is still going to cause a lot of stress.

Jane

That is my understanding - no waivers, only deferrals (other than some very exceptional circumstances). Not had a chance to see it in action yet - my first few clients making ESA claims are just about to go through and as they're all cancer patients it's going to be interesting to see if they expect someone who's just had a bone marrow transplant to attend a WFI.