Customer Compliance Officer Visit.

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 11:47AM

Received this letter today.....

Dear XX XXXXXXX

We need to see you in order to discuss the benefit we are currently paying you because a query has arisen on your claim. We need to ensure your payments are correct and it is important the you are available so we can discuss the matter further.

You should note that where there is doubt about whether the conditions for entitlement are met, we can suspend payment of your benefit.

A Customer Compliance Officer, XXXXX XXXXXXX, will be visiting on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 between the times of 11:00 Am and 2:00 PM. Please note we will not be able to state a specific time.

If you are unavailable or wish to report any changes in your circumstances, please contact me immediately on the above direct line number before our visit. We will rearrange another visit.

For your protection

All our Customer Compliance Officers carry a card confirming that they are from Jobcentre Plus, part of the Department for Works and Pensions. Please ask to see their identification.

Things the Customer Compliance Officer will need to see

Your passport, birth certificates for your children, driving licence, utility bills, rent agreement and bank statement for the last 6 months for all accounts in your name.

Yours sincerely

XXXXX XXXXXX
Customer Compliance Officer

It's put the fear of God into me!

I'm a single parent with two children aged 11 and 6, the eldest has Aspergers and I've recently made an application for DLA as the law changes means he won't have me to support him as and when needed, we've been turned down once and I'm appealing the decision.

I have savings of just over £1200.00 and I bounce this money around cover private therapy for my son, he has depression and anxiety disorders.

I get, from my family about £100-£150 a week to help with these costs to help him live an independant life and to get him ready for Secondary school transition. (I'm in Central London and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy isn't cheap!)

I have a partner who's in the Army, he's based in London but my flat is so small he can't live with us, not doesn't, can't, if we could move to a bigger flat he could, as it is I can't allow it at the impact on my son would be to much, so at the moment we have a teenage love affair thing going on, with my son as the father saying goodnight and waiting for him to leave. :-)

I work as a volunteer during the day when the kids are at school, and put my all into it! It means I can be there at the drop of a hat if there are any issues in school, and during the holidays I can be with my kids, my son wouldn't do well in childcare, he's of the 'doesn't play well with others' Aspergers type.

Please help!

I really am terrified I'm doing something wrong.

Has anyone else had one of these letters? Am I breaking the rules? I'm shaking and upset, especially as it's Saturday and there's nothing I can do about it.

HappyMJ · 24 March 2012 at 11:50AM

First things first...do not worry about it. Ring them and tell them you are unavailable as you need to get advice first and then get advice from somewhere and be ready to present your case. You do not have to see them at your home and you can also ask them to leave at any time.

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 11:58AM

HappyMJ wrote: »

First things first...do not worry about it. Ring them and tell them you are unavailable as you need to get advice first and then get advice from somewhere and be ready to present your case. You do not have to see them at your home and you can also ask them to leave at any time.

That's got me even more worried!

Have I broken the law without knowing it?

What 'Case' all I'm doing is trying to give my son the best start to enable him to be independent eventually.

Shiloe · 24 March 2012 at 12:06PM

1) Did you inform them of the £100-£150 you are getting per week from family ?

2) Is your partner the father of your children ?

3) Are you and your partner married ?

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 12:21PM

1) When I called up, after my sons diagnosis they said was it more than £6000.00 a year. I told them no, they told me to let them know if it ever went above £6000.00 a year. It hasn't.
2) No
3) No

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 12:35PM

Could it be because I've made a claim for DLA for my son, or am I just trying to reassure myself?

gingergee · 24 March 2012 at 12:46PM

Could be anything x as advised tell them its not possible next week. Then get help from CAB etc. Dont know if you can ring and ask what its about? someone will know x chillax and try not to panic x

HappyMJ · 24 March 2012 at 12:48PM

civvygit wrote: »

That's got me even more worried!

Have I broken the law without knowing it?

What 'Case' all I'm doing is trying to give my son the best start to enable him to be independent eventually.

Maybe, maybe not. I mean your side of the story. It could just be a query on something that was not in your application. Many people forget to declare unused accounts. The penny of interest from the bank then gets notified to the HMRC and then that gets data matched to your claim raising a query.

civvygit wrote: »

Could it be because I've made a claim for DLA for my son, or am I just trying to reassure myself?

No idea. Seek advice from a charity specialising in giving benefits advice and you will get a proper answer.

DreamerV · 24 March 2012 at 1:00PM

I'd be more inclined to meet with them and show them the information they need as moving the date may make them suspicious. You don't seem to have intentionally done anything wrong, and if you meet them and show them all info, they will make sure everything is correct. I know it's a worry, but they are human too, and will understand your nervousness, etc. If they come, and you do get flustered, you can as posted above, ask them to leave, or perhaps come back another time. Then you can go and ask CAB advice (only if needed) at that point knowing what issue has been raised. If there is an issue, it's better you know sooner rather than later, and if no issue, that your mind is put to rest sooner also.

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 1:09PM

gingergee wrote: »

Could be anything x as advised tell them its not possible next week. Then get help from CAB etc. Dont know if you can ring and ask what its about? someone will know x chillax and try not to panic x

I just tried the CAB, from the looks of things getting a CAB appointment in Central London is very hit and miss.

I'm also afraid to say no to the date they said in case they think I'm hiding something.

civvygit · 24 March 2012 at 1:11PM

DreamerV wrote: »

I'd be more inclined to meet with them and show them the information they need as moving the date may make them suspicious. You don't seem to have intentionally done anything wrong, and if you meet them and show them all info, they will make sure everything is correct. I know it's a worry, but they are human too, and will understand your nervousness, etc. If they come, and you do get flustered, you can as posted above, ask them to leave, or perhaps come back another time. Then you can go and ask CAB advice (only if needed) at that point knowing what issue has been raised. If there is an issue, it's better you know sooner rather than later, and if no issue, that your mind is put to rest sooner also.

Yes, I think that's what I need to do. Thank you.

Has anyone else had one of these letters and lived through it?

Customer Compliance Officer Visit.

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