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Claimants expected to understand criteria
I would appreciate some advice please, regarding two cases.
Case 1-claimant is severely disabled with CP , Autism and LD. Mum took her to initial interview and left traumatised. Despite requesting reasonable adjustments, none were made. Work Coach wants on-line journal completing and weekly interviews. I called the Job Centre asking why mum hadn’t been advised to get a Fit note from GP or why they had not asked if the claimant had a illness or disability. It would be evident to anyone, that the claimant has a disability!
Case 2-20 yr old in non advanced education went for interview, and told claim would be closed. Claimant is unable to live with her parent, because there would be a serious risk to her mother’s and her own mental health. The Work Coach told me, they want an evidence based trail from social care professionals to show this is the case. I suggested I could give that evidence, because our advice team have been working with the family for sometime. I was told, if the family haven’t had social care input, then there would be no UC claim and our evidence will not be accepted. I explained how difficult it is to meet criteria for social care and that care packages are near impossible. I suggested something from the GP, but I was told this would not be accepted. I refused to accept what she was saying, she went off for a ‘chat’ with someone, and I was told to put in a report (done this morning.)
Both Job Centre’s told me, it is up to the claimant to know the criteria which applies to them, not the Work Coach to advise. This really cannot be the case? Thanks
[ Edited: 10 Jan 2019 at 11:54 am by Wensleyfoss ]