What should I expect at the dole tomorrow

[timwilky]

Never been in one. The wife has to go for an interview as she is in receipt of incapacity benefit as long term sick. The letter requesting her presence says it is to help her find a job.

Do they not read their files and the application form. She has a job. She works for the NHS. At her last occupational health appointment with the hospital occupational health doctor. he said come back end of July as she was still unfit to return. So what do the dole office staff know that can get her a job when her GP & employer both say she is unfit to do the one she has.

The other part being, why should she take another job whilst unfit. If she is deemed incapable of ever working again by the hospital. she will be credited her pension. I am concerned that the dole may pressurise her to resign in order to take a job (loosing her pension rights).

Just a standard letter... they're not allowed to think for themselves.

not alot

[Viney]

Eh? How odd. So she is currently off sick from work and she has to go to the dole office?? Has she been sacked or medicaly retired from her job and she doesnt know it?

Sounds all very odd to my Tim me old mucker.

If she has a job, they cant make her resign? Im sure theres laws aginst those sort of things. Good luck anyway

Not a lot is correct. I had my first job centre interview thingy yesterday. The system and the process is a bit daunting, very depressing, and has the Dickensian veneer of the workhouse but the people contained within are actually normal caring people who just have boxes to tick. They're so startled by articulate honesty that they tend to bend over backwards to help you - I didn't know what to expect so I turned up in a shirt & tie (well, it's an "interview" innit - that's what I always do) - want to guess how many other people were similarly attired? Basically their purpose is to ascertain whether you're a scrounger fiddling the system. On the assumption that you're going to politely answer their questions and explain your circumstances these people can do an awful lot to keep the "system" off your back.

Originally Posted by MiniMatt

Not a lot is correct. I had my first job centre interview thingy yesterday. The system and the process is a bit daunting, very depressing, and has the Dickensian veneer of the workhouse but the people contained within are actually normal caring people who just have boxes to tick. They're so startled by articulate honesty that they tend to bend over backwards to help you - I didn't know what to expect so I turned up in a shirt & tie (well, it's an "interview" innit - that's what I always do) - want to guess how many other people were similarly attired? Basically their purpose is to ascertain whether you're a scrounger fiddling the system. On the assumption that you're going to politely answer their questions and explain your circumstances these people can do an awful lot to keep the "system" off your back.

I'd agree with that actually. A few years ago I was made redundant and decide to train as a driving instructor (before all the tv adverts that shove it down your throats nowadays). I didn't need to work while I trained but having 'paid into the system' for years I thought I get something out of it and put in a claim. Like MiniMat says, if you are polite, articulate and honest, they will help you no end. I was absolutely honest and explained that, as I had plans, I would not be seeking employment in the meantime. The advisor actually said "just go through the motions when you sign on and there will be no problems".

I think they are having a drive to get people off incapacity benefit at the moment. They'll probably just ask a lot of questions.

[Bluepete]

Tim, if you can get hold of anything from her employer and/or GP explaining the situation, then it will help.
I had to "register" my knee injury with them as it was an "industrial accident" and may have made me eligable for benefits. Needless to say, I'm not, but politeness and patience (look it up in a dictionary) go a long way with people who get shouted at a lot!

Oh, and here's your contribution to my wages mate, thanks

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by BluePete

Oh, and here's your contribution to my wages mate, thanks

Cheers for handing that back. You obviously missed the hidden text in that post

[Bluepete]

Nope, just serving the dish cold!