DWP- 3 phone calls made, 3 different answers!!!

susan48

Can anyone please tell me, what hope we have at letting the DWP know things, and keeping them informed, if we get different answer about the same thing!!!!!

My friend has called 3 seperate times for me and got 3 different answers as what to do, then the last call they were told if I hadn’t let them know I could “possibly” be overpaid or worse commit fraud!!

I knew the DWP were bad but seriously, this is totally out of hand.
Basically because nobody knows what they are doing at DWP we never know if we are getting the proper correct advise.

Unbelievable 

Pippa_Alumni

Oh no! How frustrating @susan48- the last thing that anybody needs is the process being made any more difficult than it already is. What is it that you were trying to find an answer to, is it something we can help with?

susan48

@PippaScope

My friend called ESA to let them know I have someone, be it the person who called or my son, staying with me regularly as I need their help with meds etc and Iv been extremely depressed, suicidal thoughts.
I wanted them to know this because I wanted to be honest etc.
The first 2 calls, nothing to worry about, as long as you all have separate addresses we don’t need to know.
The final call, they are sending a form out, for the people’s details to be filled in.
i will lose £62, I don’t know what that’s for though.

Im so glad I made them call back to triple check, it’s very scary when your life’s in their (DWP) hands

CockneyRebel

Hi susan

Do you currently receive SDP ?

CR

susan48

Yes I think I received everything 

CockneyRebel

It could be this that you are in danger of losing

Rate if you qualify

You’ll get this if you meet all of the following conditions:

• you live alone
• you get the middle or highest rate of DLA care component or the daily living component of PIP or AFIP
• no-one gets Carer’s Allowance for looking after you

CR

susan48

@CockneyRebel,
Thanks for that, the last person who was spoken too said this would be suspended until the form was completed and assessed.

I will just have to wait on the form and a decision, I’m actually past the stage of caring about what they do, at least Iv been honest and told them.

Thanks for your reply 

susan48

@CockneyRebel,

if the SDP is lost will that effect my PIP?

CockneyRebel

Hi susan

No that won't affect your PIP.
SDP is a passported premium, receiving a PIP award enables the premium to be paid with ESA IR as long as the other conditons are met

I suspect that they are looking at it as to whether you are still considered to be living alone

There is some mis- information about how often someone can stay over to meet this condition

I suggest that you get f2f advice from  CAB or similar if possible

CR

susan48

@CockneyRebel,
Thanks for letting me know.
The man at DWP said they would assess the form, whether I’m still classed as living alone, I presume.
i do meet the other things you listed, nobody claims carer allowance etc.

Just waiting on the form and then wait and see.

Thanks again, at least I know what the £62 is now.

Although Iv just thought if I lose that then probably the council tax benefit may stop.

Anyway I can not do anymore than tell the truth regardless of the financial implications 

CockneyRebel

As long as you receive ESA IR I think you still get CT benefit

CR

susan48

Thanks I do appreciate your time in replying 

Just the waiting game now.

Many thanks
Susan

susan48

@CockneyRebel,

just an update. It is the SDP Iv lost until they review the form Iv just completed.
 No return envelope with the letter!,
I’m just sending it to Wolverhampton, also the form had no contact details, date etc, just my name on it. Really!!

Will send it recorded delivery as I don’t want them to say they’ve not received the form and then my award won’t be looked at.

thanks again

CockneyRebel

Flipping cheek !

Please come back and let us know how you get on

CR

susan48

Thanks @CockneyRebel, I will do

take care

debbiedo49

I would ask for their name every time you phone and take a note of that with the time and date. Tell them you are doing it. Keep a log. Good luck 

susan48

Thanks @debbiedo49