Advice request

Jenga12

I complained to dwp at end of 2022 as they got me mixed up with someone else (they said I had conditions that I cannot have(!)). No response. Later went back to work. I called them to say I was about to go back. I have government proof of this as job centre said they'd email for me. I have that email.
6 months down the line, they say I did not tell them abt going back to work so have overpaid me and want £200 back. I did tell them!!
I sent a letter of complaint about 1st issue and to show proof (email print outs) that I did tell them, at start of August. I also have a call log of the date I called them - they can listen to the call, can't they? After many calls and a lot of time spent on hold, someone called today to say complaints would be in touch but didn't know when. That's not good enough as their policy says they get complaints to contact you within 15 working days.
I read somewhere that I can request compensation for hassle caused - should that have been put in the letter or can I ask now?

Jenga12

I hope someone can advise.
I logged a complaint in late 2022 because dwp got my health conditions wrong and it looked like they got me mixed up with another person. No response. Later, I went back to work after claiming for a few months. I told them I was going back to work but they sent me a nasty letter 6 months later saying I didn't and that they want £200 back as they overpaid me (seemingly my fault as I didn't tell them about going back to work). I have proof I did tell them with emails to my local job centre who said they'd help by contacting esa on my behalf. I also have a call log of when I called, on my mobile - they can listen to the call as I expect them to be recording calls.
I then sent a letter 24 hour delivery at start of August. I have the delivery receipt and Royal Mail confirmation that they got the letter at start of August. No response so I called asking to speak with a senior complaints manager. I was promised call-backs but no-one did call so I kept requesting. Got someone to call back today saying - someone from complaints will call you but don't know when. That's not good enough as their complaints policy says that complaints are dealt with within 15 working days.
I read somewhere that I can claim compensation for hassle caused. Can I do that now or is it too late as should have been put down in the letter I sent in August? 

Jenga12

ESA. I didn't get the income based bit and didn't apply for it either.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @jenga12

Welcome to the community!  

I'm sorry to hear about all the mix ups with the DWP. Have you thought about reaching out to your local MP for support with this? 

Hannah_Alumni

Also, just to let you know, I found your other thread and have merged them together with this one. So it's all in one place for you