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THEY WNT PAY MY incap ben. please hELP
problem123
Posts: 15 Forumite
During August the medical centre who works for the department of work and pensions wrote to me to let him know that I had to attend a medical examination in their offices based in Euston. I informed them that I was unable to attend as I suffer from agoraphobia, body dysmorphia disorder, severe depression etc. The medical centre asked me to provide a doctors letter stating my conditions letter and also requesting that I has have a home visit. My doctor faxed the required information over to them.
They said that they never received the required information and informed the income support that I did not attend the appointment. My incapacity benefit was subsequently stopped in October 06.I received a letter stating this from income support and also a form GL24 an appeal form. I filled this in along with the medical evidence my doctor had previously sent to the medical centre. I had a reply on25th Feb asking me whether I want to request an appeal for an unattended hearing or oral hearing. I was then advised by the income support section that I should make a new claim for income support. I was visited at my home address by a member of the team from new claims. I again showed him the evidence of my illness by providing him with the letter that my doctor had written as well as passport and other info.
I received a letter four weeks ago approx from income support saying that I is not entitled to income support. Then a week later I received a letter from job centre plus stating that I should attend an appointment on the 16th February to make a claim for job seekers allowance.
I was then further advised by the income support section to make a claim for incapacity benefit including my doctor’s medical report.
Summing up at that time -my incapacity was wrongly stopped as client is incapable of working due to my medical conditions. I hAVE received no money since October 25th 2006. I was informed by income support to make a fresh claim. This was rejected as they said I was not entitled to claim it.
I then received an appointment to attend an interview for Job seekers allowance. Because I have mental health issues so I called them to inform them of this. They told me to contact income support who has now advised me to make a new claim for incapacity benefit which I did in March.
I have not been in receipt of housing benefit since moving into my recent property on property on 10th May 2006 it was stopped when I first moved into my new property. I fully fit the criteria for claiming housing benefit at the time and any issues of non compliance on my part are due to actually severe medical issues which I will mention at the end of this letter.
March, 07 a new claim made for incapacity benefit (new claim form handed into job centre along with a medical report from his doctor)
3rd April someone from incapacity benefit visited me at home to verify my address and identity. Whilst there the benefits officer enquired about any other persons living in the property. I then informed the officer that I shared the property with a flat mate. I am waiting for the outcome of the claim. As of 19th April it has still not been looked at.
April 16th, 07 appeals letter was returned to the appeals section of DWP along with medical report. Waited to hear when hearing will take place as I requested a verbal hearing.
Housing benefit- The backdating of May 06 – October 06 has still not been looked at. They said it should be looked at early next week as MANY memos have been sent. Housing benefit said they wouldn’t assess new claim made in March 07 until I can provide them with proof of incapacity benefit which of course is ongoing.
The whole thing is sending me INSANE. I have had no money incapacity benefit, since October last year. I have had no housing benefit since moving into my place. I have various disabilities. Listed below, fully backed up with a doctors report. I feel like killing myself.
I have had to have the doctor compile a report of my illnesses which range from depression, social anxiety, agoraphobia, as well as body image problems BD disorder as well as alcohol problems. I realize what I must sound like but I am a decent person who needs some support. Because I have had friends and helpers – No professional help. It has been very awkward and slow going. Can someone suggest any help i.e. advocates or some kind of help that’s NOT citizen advice as they are very inflexible- i.e. won’t visit me in my home? I need someone who is savvy and who they respect to put the fear of god into them. My rights are not being defended. This entire info (except for this last part) has been written for me as I cannot recall everything
To sum up then no housing benefit since moving in since May o6, incapacity benefit stopped mid October 06 due to me not attending medical services (my doctor requested home visit and they did not receive it. So money was stopped.
After waiting ages for proof that I was on incapacity benefit from May to October 06 I am awaiting to see if I will have my housing benefit will be backdated. They have said it has gone to another department
After being told to fill in income support form (their mistake) I eventually filled in incapacity benefit form which was declined because I did not send full medical report. Filled in another am awaiting outcome – Appeal glen?
I am awaiting outcome of appeal of first new incapacity benefit claim – oral hearing is due for this - I need help. CAN SOMEONE OFFER ME SOME ADVICE?
Just clear the summing up cheers
I need someone who is an expert please help me- the people helping me are fed up and sick of it also. PLEASE HELP ME SOMEONE I am in hackney London. Just so you know my medical report is two pages written by my doctor.
***update JUST AS I WS ABOUT TO POST THIS I GOT THROUGH TO INCAPACITY BENEFIT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF MY NEW CLAIM.
DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
They said that they never received the required information and informed the income support that I did not attend the appointment. My incapacity benefit was subsequently stopped in October 06.I received a letter stating this from income support and also a form GL24 an appeal form. I filled this in along with the medical evidence my doctor had previously sent to the medical centre. I had a reply on25th Feb asking me whether I want to request an appeal for an unattended hearing or oral hearing. I was then advised by the income support section that I should make a new claim for income support. I was visited at my home address by a member of the team from new claims. I again showed him the evidence of my illness by providing him with the letter that my doctor had written as well as passport and other info.
I received a letter four weeks ago approx from income support saying that I is not entitled to income support. Then a week later I received a letter from job centre plus stating that I should attend an appointment on the 16th February to make a claim for job seekers allowance.
I was then further advised by the income support section to make a claim for incapacity benefit including my doctor’s medical report.
Summing up at that time -my incapacity was wrongly stopped as client is incapable of working due to my medical conditions. I hAVE received no money since October 25th 2006. I was informed by income support to make a fresh claim. This was rejected as they said I was not entitled to claim it.
I then received an appointment to attend an interview for Job seekers allowance. Because I have mental health issues so I called them to inform them of this. They told me to contact income support who has now advised me to make a new claim for incapacity benefit which I did in March.
I have not been in receipt of housing benefit since moving into my recent property on property on 10th May 2006 it was stopped when I first moved into my new property. I fully fit the criteria for claiming housing benefit at the time and any issues of non compliance on my part are due to actually severe medical issues which I will mention at the end of this letter.
March, 07 a new claim made for incapacity benefit (new claim form handed into job centre along with a medical report from his doctor)
3rd April someone from incapacity benefit visited me at home to verify my address and identity. Whilst there the benefits officer enquired about any other persons living in the property. I then informed the officer that I shared the property with a flat mate. I am waiting for the outcome of the claim. As of 19th April it has still not been looked at.
April 16th, 07 appeals letter was returned to the appeals section of DWP along with medical report. Waited to hear when hearing will take place as I requested a verbal hearing.
Housing benefit- The backdating of May 06 – October 06 has still not been looked at. They said it should be looked at early next week as MANY memos have been sent. Housing benefit said they wouldn’t assess new claim made in March 07 until I can provide them with proof of incapacity benefit which of course is ongoing.
The whole thing is sending me INSANE. I have had no money incapacity benefit, since October last year. I have had no housing benefit since moving into my place. I have various disabilities. Listed below, fully backed up with a doctors report. I feel like killing myself.
I have had to have the doctor compile a report of my illnesses which range from depression, social anxiety, agoraphobia, as well as body image problems BD disorder as well as alcohol problems. I realize what I must sound like but I am a decent person who needs some support. Because I have had friends and helpers – No professional help. It has been very awkward and slow going. Can someone suggest any help i.e. advocates or some kind of help that’s NOT citizen advice as they are very inflexible- i.e. won’t visit me in my home? I need someone who is savvy and who they respect to put the fear of god into them. My rights are not being defended. This entire info (except for this last part) has been written for me as I cannot recall everything
To sum up then no housing benefit since moving in since May o6, incapacity benefit stopped mid October 06 due to me not attending medical services (my doctor requested home visit and they did not receive it. So money was stopped.
After waiting ages for proof that I was on incapacity benefit from May to October 06 I am awaiting to see if I will have my housing benefit will be backdated. They have said it has gone to another department
After being told to fill in income support form (their mistake) I eventually filled in incapacity benefit form which was declined because I did not send full medical report. Filled in another am awaiting outcome – Appeal glen?
I am awaiting outcome of appeal of first new incapacity benefit claim – oral hearing is due for this - I need help. CAN SOMEONE OFFER ME SOME ADVICE?
Just clear the summing up cheers
I need someone who is an expert please help me- the people helping me are fed up and sick of it also. PLEASE HELP ME SOMEONE I am in hackney London. Just so you know my medical report is two pages written by my doctor.
***update JUST AS I WS ABOUT TO POST THIS I GOT THROUGH TO INCAPACITY BENEFIT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF MY NEW CLAIM.
DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO
0
Comments
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Oh my word, I can see why you are frustrated!!! How on earth are you managing to live with no money coming in?
Have you contacted the CAB about this? They will come out to you if you are unable to get to them (or they do here). If they can't, they will know someone who can. You should be able to phone, or email them too.
My other thought is that your G.P. should be able to put you in contact with someone about this. Perhaps you could ask them if they have a social worker attached to the surgery?
I'm guessing you don't have a CPN to ask?
Don't know what else to suggest, but the CAB is definitely worth trying.
Good luck and hope you get sorted soon,
Bestpud0 -
Problem123, please, if you are serious about harming yourself see your GP ASAP and let him/her know how you feel, that in itself should make you feel a bit better (I speak only from my own experience). Dr's arent miracle workers but they can help.
I am so sorry that the DWP have messed you around and for so long..... I can only begin to imagine how you must feeling!!
In regards to the actual benefit issue.... I feel that you need to take this higher within the DWP itself. I know you probably feel like you dont have the mental energy to do this but if you speak to the CAB they can advice you of procedures etc and may be able to help you do it (If not they can point you in the right direction). They may be able to come out to you, just ensure they understand your exact situation.... make sure you explain that you have medical letters etc to back you all the way.
If the CAB cant/wont/arent able to help you and you have just enough energy to takle this yourself then a phone call to the Incapacity Benefits dept is a good place to start, without negotiation ask for the contact details of someone more senior who CAN deal with this matter. Upon getting this information you need to write a detailed letter explaining all and send it via registered post (make sure you take a copy too) - this will avoid the issue of them claiming it wasnt recieved.
Hopefully/maybe this will get you somewhere if someone more senior is dealing with the complete debarcle! Failing the CAB's help and not getting anywhere yourself then the only other option is legal advice with a solicitor who does know the system and who can fight your corner all the way - im not sure if you would be entitiled to some kind of free legal advice (Someone else needs to answer that on my behalf).
About your housing benefit claim - what they have said is routine, so for the time being you need to focus on the Incapacty side of things. I know this doesnt help much when you need your rent/council tax paid.... it will sort itself as soon as your Incapacity claim is reinstated! Its situations like yours that get my back up about the system! :mad:
Also please rest assured that most of the members of MSE acknowledge that 99% of people claiming benefits aren't lying.... unfortunately its the small 1% of claimants who have given the rest of us genuine claimants a reputation. Please also don't worry about how you come across..... you have nothing to be ashamed of.
Failing the CAB and acting on their advie I can only think of contacting a legal representative who specialises in benefits to find out exactly where you stand - although this is probably not an option as it would cost money.
Sorry if I cant be more indepth or specific with my advice, at this stage this is about all I can suggest.... I hope ive helped?
In the meantime keep your chin up - if it means anything at all, we as a forum will do our best to help you. You will overcome this. x0 -
I can totally understand why you are so distressed. You must be so frustrated with the lack of compassion and understanding you are receiving.
Have you contacted Social Services? I would contact your GP and explain the situation - I know you have probably done this - but tell them this whole situation is making your anxiety increase and thus causing you mental difficulty.
Anxiety/Depression... Agorophobia ... they are all debilitating conditions that are understandably, making it hard for you to get to any interviews.
There is light at the end of the Tunnel - have you tried sending an Email to your local MP?
I know that sounds stupid BUT you can use the internet to send an email to your local MP and they will deal with the DWP FOR YOU. They do and are very good in my experience with them relating to Bank Charges... CSA... give it a go. Tell them what you have told us on the forum - copy and paste all relevant from your thread.
Please don't go on feeling like this - you will get your money and your housing benefit - they are taking away all your rights.
The conditions you suffer with aren't forever either - they are just a thinking pattern that needs to be rebalanced.
Good Luck, try not to get too stressed out over this. Someone will sort something out, sadly you just have to be persistent. I would contact them Daily if I were you, by letter or 'phone - whichever is cheaper. Have you got someone close to you who can help take some burden?0 -
Go down to your local DWP office and ask for an emergency payment - take all your paperwork with you.
Go to the CAB and ask them to help you with what's going on.
Also, MIND do give advice and help:
http://www.mind.org.uk/About+Mind/Whatwedo.htm
Lin
You can tell a lot about a woman by her hands..........for instance, if they are placed around your throat, she's probably slightly upset.
0 -
I appreciate you do not go out so my suggestions are based on this:
As for your housing benefit, contact your local concillor who can be located through your town hall, ask them to vivit you at home and tell them everything going on too. They should be able to look into your housing benefit quite quickly as they are responsible for appointing the boss (chief executive) of the organisation that administers your housing benefit. Ask them also if they can bring any influence on the DWP regarding your incapacity benefit. Askthem to call you with an update as soon as they can.
Addittionally you could also call your local MP, Tell them everything you have written in your post above and ask them what they will do to help you....this may just be a letter or a phone call but the weight of the local MP usually unblocks the systems. Again, ask them to call you back with any progress.
Unfortunately these things are really really frustrating but be firm and get the powers that be behind you. If they tell you to go to CAB say you have had no money for months and you are waiting for an appointment, however i the meantime you want their help as you are on the verge of a huge breakdown.
Good luck, and I hope once this is resploved your health will improve too
It will not do you any harm asking them to also get onto DWP about your incapacity benefit too.Oh how I dream............0 -
This situation is a disgrace and clearly no fault of yours.Although you could go to the CAB ,i think you need to speak to a senior welfare officer or even a solicitor to sort out this mess.
Very good advise is given on this forum,i have also found excellent information on youreable.com,there are welfare rights advisors and people who have experience of sitting on appeal boards,who post and advise on their site,you may find out the best way forward as many of these people know all the welfare laws.I really hope you get it all sorted out asap. There are two sides to every story.
I am not a SAINT just a saints supporter(saints RLFC)Grand final winners 2006.World club champions 2007.0 -
Have you got anyone that could act on your behalf? The person that helped you write the post? Give them written permission to chase this up properly if you can't yourself.Torgwen.......... ...........0
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