First Jobcentre meeting — checklist
The first Jobcentre Plus meeting happens 7-10 days after you apply for UC. It lasts 30-60 minutes. Identity verification + Claimant Commitment + Work Coach assignment. Essentials: free interpreter (request in advance), support person allowed, ask for the Advance Payment HERE, Flexible Support Fund £150 for interview clothes. Do not sign the Claimant Commitment if the requirements are unrealistic — negotiate.
Before the meeting — 1-7 days ahead
• Refugee Status decision letter (or BRP / eVisa share code if you have it)
• Home Office reference number
• NI number letter (if you have one; if not — application receipt)
• Bank statement / sort code + account number
• Tenancy agreement / housing letter
• Passport from your country of origin (for identity verification)
Recommended:
• Medication you take (in original packaging — showing the assessor is powerful)
• Fit note from your GP (if you have health problems)
• Proof of caring duties (if you have children <1, <3, <12, or a sick family member)
• CV (even a draft) — the Work Coach will ask about your experience
• Foreign qualifications (degree, professional certificates)
• Advance Payment up to 100% of UC (no money to live on for 5 weeks)
• Flexible Support Fund up to £150 for interview clothes / transport / childcare
• Travel to Work Scheme (help with transport costs)
• Negotiate the Claimant Commitment if the requirements are unrealistic
• WCA referral if you have health problems (see /en/lcwra/)
During the meeting — what happens
- Children < 1 — no work-related requirements
- Children 1-2 — work-focused interview only
- Children 3-12 — work preparation (limited search)
- Carer 35+ hours — no work-related requirements
- Pregnancy 11+ weeks — no work-related requirements
- Fit note for illness — temporary suspension until WCA
- LCW — work preparation only
- LCWRA — no work-related requirements
- Language barrier — required to do ESOL instead of job search
3 financial requests at the meeting
These payments are NOT automatic. If you do not ask, you will not get them. Ask for all 3 if applicable.
Repayable from future UC over 24 months. Deductions cap is 15% of the standard allowance (April 2025) = max £63.74/month for a single person 25+. Paid in 3-5 working days. See /en/uc/5-week-wait/.
A GRANT (free, not a loan). Up to £150 for clothes / £100 for travel / childcare. For interviews / training / professional fees / tools. Paid on the spot if the case is solid. Refugees are explicitly named as a priority group.
Covers travel costs in the first 3-4 months after a job offer. Works best for people who have a job offer but cannot pay for travel until their first salary.
- Do not sign the Claimant Commitment if you do not understand it. Ask for a translation. Ask to take a copy home to think about (you have the right to do so).
- Do not stay silent about health issues. If you have PTSD / depression / a chronic condition — say so STRAIGHT AWAY. A WCA referral protects you from sanctions.
- Do not lie about work or savings. They will find out (HMRC RTI, bank statements). A fraud charge is more serious than any "extra" benefit.
- Do not accept a job offer that is unsuitable. Negotiate in the Claimant Commitment what you will look for. In the first 3 months on UC there is a permitted period (you may turn jobs down).
- Do not leave without a checklist for what comes next. They must give you: the date of the next meeting, what to do in the journal, contact details for your Work Coach.
- Do not ignore letters after the meeting. All obligations from the Claimant Commitment are mandatory. Put them in your calendar.
What to do if...
Frequently asked questions
I do not understand English — what should I do?
Request a FREE interpreter in advance. In your UC journal write: "Please book an interpreter [language: Russian / Ukrainian / Arabic / etc] for my appointment on [date]." They will arrange one through Language Line. You can also bring your own interpreter (a friend, family member, advocate) — this is allowed. Do not try to "manage somehow" — misunderstanding the Claimant Commitment leads to sanctions.
What should I bring to the meeting?
Refugee Status decision letter OR BRP / eVisa share code, NI number letter (if you have one), bank account details (sort code + account number), tenancy agreement or housing letter, any medication you take (bring it to show), passport from your country of origin. If you have health problems — a fit note from your GP. If you care for a child or sick person — proof.
How long does the meeting last?
Typically 30-60 minutes. Identity verification + signing the Claimant Commitment + being assigned a Work Coach + initial work-search obligations. If you need an interpreter the meeting may run up to 90 minutes.
What is the Claimant Commitment and can I change anything?
The Claimant Commitment is a formal contract between you and the DWP. It describes what you agree to do (work-search hours, applications per week, attending meetings). You can negotiate — if you have a language barrier, children, illness, or are waiting for your qualifications to be recognised. Do not sign "as is" if the requirements are unrealistic. Tell your Work Coach: "I cannot search for work 35 hours a week — I have a baby / I am learning English / I am waiting for a WCA assessment."
What should I do if my Work Coach is rude or discriminatory?
Ask for a manager. You have the right to change Work Coach (through the manager). If they are discriminatory — file a formal complaint through the DWP procedure (online on gov.uk). If you are ignored — escalate to the Independent Case Examiner or your local MP. Keep all letters and notes (you may record meetings if you give notice).
Can I bring a support person?
Yes. A friend, family member, social worker, advocate, charity case worker — anyone. They can help with translation, give emotional support, take notes. Tell your Work Coach at the start of the meeting: "This is [name], my support person. Please record this in my file."