Question regarding ESA, Avanta and Travel Expenses

[Daftybear]

Hi there,

 

I am currently on ESA (the work related group which I protest but nothing changes) and on Avanta's work programme, which is a waste of time (I've been telling them for over a year I want to go back into education and each month they say "hey how about self employment", etc..).

 

Basically, I'm currently in Newcastle staying with family and must attend the monthly appointment which is in Bolton. That's a £50 rail fee away (with my railcard), just for me to walk in and say hi, tell them I don't want self employment I want to go back to education, and yes I am still seeing a therapist. It is a complete and utter waste of time.

 

My question is are they required to reimburse that £50 rail fee even though I'm travelling from Newcastle, and not my registered home address? Because quite frankly it is a waste of time and money (that's a large portion of my ESA gone) to do something that terrifies me (I have severe social anxiety), but I've missed one or two appointments already and my advisor has been sending angry voicemails telling me I must come or they'll sanction me.

 

It's bad enough that I'm being forced on the train journey which is a horrifying prospect, but hopefully I can regain the money spent?

 

Thanks for your help!

[antone]

They won't (and are not required to) reimburse your travel expenses from anywhere other than your home address. If your stay with family is likely to be a long one, you should probably update your address with the DWP and have your claim transferred to an office closer to where you are now.

[Mr.P]

Daftybear: Are these "appointments" made in writing and the letter either handed to you personally or posted to your home address ?

 

If these "appointments" are only made by way of telephone call, text message, or email, they do not comply with DWP rules on Mandatory Activity Notices - See Chapter 3a of the DWP issued guidance for further details along with sample templates.