Universal Credit Review - data protection breach!

TG0601

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1045276#Comment_1045276

Wow! That’s appalling. You must log everything in your journal. Tell them you tried to call them but there was no answer. Tell them about your hospital appointment & that it conflicted with your hospital appointment. You

Must tell them again how the last minute message to visit your home affected your physical & mental health, how stress & anxiety makes them worse. Say they must make adjustments to consider your disabilities as it’s feeling like disability discrimination. Log everything in your journal & email customer complaints. Your journal is so important as if it’s investigated by the ICO or legally it’s all there written down by you. It’s appalling how they are treating us. I’ve now appointed a solicitor.

jw68

Here's my story for what it's worth.

I am currently going through the move over to UC from legacy benefits.Unlike with legacy benefits,it will be my local Job Centre that will deal with my UC claim.In this Job Centre there are five people that know me very well.With this in mind,some time ago i asked that i be dealt with by another Job Centre on the grounds that i did not want my personal details/problems being looked into by somebody who knows me.My request was flatly refused by my local JC and i was told that this was a "postcode" matter and it was impossible to use another JC…Now,some time down the line i have had a Commitments Interview booked with somebody who knows me VERY well indeed.My greatest fears have come true.This person has always been hostile towards me and now he has read my online application and knows about my very personal health problems.I have managed to get another interview booked with a different operative from the same Job Centre,but sadly the damage has been done.

In the past,our applications have been dealt with by a Centre out of our local area but now,with UC,our claims will be dealt with by people who could know us personally.

I was just wondering if anybody else had been through something similar because,in all sincerity,i feel that this cannot be right.

PS,the person who was due to interview me who does know me well,yet has flatly denied that he knows me at all.A TOTAL AND UTTER LIE.

BE UNDER NO ILLUSION.THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT HAVE CHANGED,AND THESE ARE THE LEVELS OF DECEIT,CONTEMPT AND ARTFULNESS THAT WE ALL MIGHT HAVE TO LEARN TO DEAL WITH NOWADAYS AT THE HANDS OF THE DWP.

Has anyone else out there had to go through anything similar?

JW

hel123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1045324#Comment_1045324

I don’t mean to be funny, but have you actually been successful in not sending bank statements?

All I see is people quoting and telling others what’s right and what they can’t do and to complain here and say this, but if they dig their heels in and threaten to take people’s money away, what can we do in reality?

I’ve not seen one example of a real person coming on here and saying “I haven’t sent anything and I’ve still got my money”.

Ultimately it seems like they can get away with it and there is nothing we can do.

TG0601

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1045336#Comment_1045336

Hi hel123. I have managed to stop any further action for 9 months after they asked me for 8 months more bank statements in September last year. (after the initial review took place last July & them having 4 months bank statements). I have demanded any action be paused in my case whilst ICO & ICE investigations have ensued & formal complaints have been answered. I raised another formal complaint in January & they only replied to that last week, which answered none of my complaint issues & legislation misuse. I replied to that, they then sent me a “we are sorry you are unsatisfied, we will investigate further” letter the other day. Since then I was asked again for 8 months more bank statements, which I have complained about yet again. I called a solicitor & I have now told the DWP of that. So as of yet, they have no further bank statements. I will update when my solicitor has been in contact.

lizzydripping

I think I will take guidance from you. You’re really showing them up for what they really are.

I will reach State Pension age in seven months and just feel battered mentally with all of this.

I am absolutely determined to NOT have my right to privacy taken away from me and will not be sending any bank statements full stop or having anyone visit me at home, especially as I am immunocompromised.

It’s so uplifting to see your comments and how you are fighting this disgusting behaviour. Thanks so much.

TG0601

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1046114#Comment_1046114

We are all in this together. The harassment & bullying of disabled people is horrific. I’m happy to help in any way I can. I am immunocompromised, too. I have Rheumatoid & Lupus so on weekly chemo. Trying to live with chronic pain, feeling ill every day is a struggle & up hill battle, but it makes us stronger in other ways. I have now instructed a solicitor so I’ll update you all when I have some news of how it’s going. All we can do is stand up for our rights & speak up when we feel wrongs are being carried out x

lizzydripping

You are a star…thanks so much. x

LazyLump

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1009228#Comment_1009228

sorry but this is most probably brain fog but why does it say a document that you were mislead into signing. Can you explain this to me please. Is this something we signed when we first made a claim?

Ann46

Hello @TG0601 and all,

I am hoping I can get some help please. I have recently been asked to do a review for universal credit and supply 4 months bank statements and ID and housing costs. I want to complain about this and especially do not want to send them my private banking information. Please can I be advised how to complain. Do I write in the journal or send a letter please. Can anyone help with the wording of the complaint please. Also what is likely to happen with my universal credit. Will non compliance stop the review or close my account. This is causing me so much stress and anxiety. Any help gratefully received. Thank you

Holly_Scope

Hi @Ann46 it's understandable why this would make you feel uncomfortable, as it has many others. I've attached a link below to a post denoting some frequently asked questions, and members comments about the process which might be helpful to you - Universal Credit Bank Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions — Scope | Online Community

I believe that you might be deemed non-compliance if you failed to provide this detail unfortunately. I know it probably doesn't help a great deal, but a lot of people have said the process hasn't been as daunting as they initially anticipated.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1048680#Comment_1048680

We all agreed to the Claimant Commitments when starting Universal Credit.