When you first claim, expect a “Claimant Commitment” meeting within a week. This is where you and your work coach stare at each other over a sticky desk and promise to find you a job (or at least pretend to).
After that, you’ll likely have fortnightly meetings for the first few months. Yes, every two weeks. It’s like a dentist appointment, but with less drilling and more awkward questions about why you haven’t applied to be a llama farmer.
Fun fact: if you’re employed (even part-time), your appointments might be monthly instead. Because apparently, having a job means you’re “too busy” to be grilled about your job search. Lucky you.
The “Tapering Off” Phase: When Life Gets Quiet
If you’ve been claiming for a while and you’re actually looking for work, the frequency can drop to once a month. The government assumes you’ve got the hang of job-hunting and can be trusted not to spend your UC on a jet ski.
But here’s the kicker: if you’re in the “no work-related requirements” group (e.g., you’re a full-time parent or have a health condition), you might only speak to your work coach every few months. It’s like being ghosted by the DWP—in the best possible way.
Top Reasons People Skip Their Universal Credit Appointments! - YouTube
However, don’t break out the confetti. Because if you miss a single appointment without a good excuse (like being on fire), your payments get sanctioned. That means no money for weeks. Imagine telling your landlord, “Sorry, I forgot to prove I exist.”
