universal credit and sdp backpayment

Options
2

Comments

  • Ames
    Ames Posts: 18,459 Forumite
    Options
    To be fair I had the same problem with CAB years ago. I went for debt advice, part of which was a disputed council tax bill. The debt advisor made me set up a payment plan because 'it's a priority debt and they can send you to prison'. My benefit advisor wasn't happy, because he knew the debt wasn't owed and the council had a bad reputation when it came to refunding.

    The problem wasn't with CAB as such, it was because the advisor was a specialist in his area and had little knowledge of benefits. It doesn't stop me recommending them to people who need help.
    Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    Ames wrote: »
    To be fair I had the same problem with CAB years ago. I went for debt advice, part of which was a disputed council tax bill. The debt advisor made me set up a payment plan because 'it's a priority debt and they can send you to prison'. My benefit advisor wasn't happy, because he knew the debt wasn't owed and the council had a bad reputation when it came to refunding.

    The problem wasn't with CAB as such, it was because the advisor was a specialist in his area and had little knowledge of benefits. It doesn't stop me recommending them to people who need help.

    Sure

    As I say I completely get that CAB can get it wrong. As do DWP, local councils (paid staff) etc

    It’s the extra digs that p””s me off. Especially, as Alice says, when they are incorrect

    Hey ho. In one way hamaradam’s posts are positive. Made me think I will go back as opposed to giving it up
  • hamaradam
    hamaradam Posts: 266 Forumite
    Options
    "every single agency from the police to the council, including solicitors ". recommend the CAB...says it all. Oh lord. We shall agree to disagree, as I feel this post will rapidly be closed now...���� NB It is very real life cases that I have witnessed, and telling me,showing me correspondence. they interestingly do not tell people about nil income forms either...possibly in bigger cities, cab may have staff who may excel in certain topics, ...maybe we could have a forum section called CAB success stories, but not posted by Alice, or anyone connected to CAB., please.
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    hamaradam wrote: »
    "every single agency from the police to the council, including solicitors ". recommend the CAB...says it all. Oh lord. We shall agree to disagree, as I feel this post will rapidly be closed now...���� NB It is very real life cases that I have witnessed, and telling me,showing me correspondence. they interestingly do not tell people about nil income forms either...possibly in bigger cities, cab may have staff who may excel in certain topics, ...maybe we could have a forum section called CAB success stories, but not posted by Alice, or anyone connected to CAB., please.

    Perhaps it shouldn’t be closed given your tendency to suddenly produce stories - and misquote.

    Try going into a CAB and see what it’s like volunteering there. I am sure your knowledge and experience would be warmly welcomed.
  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 5,949 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    Has your relative now been successful in getting her SDP backdated?

    Can you answer the question I put to you in post 2 - i.e Is she now in receipt of UC or does she still receive legacy benefits (i.e IB ESA)?

    What component of DLA was she receiving for the years in which SDP was not backdated?

    What other benefit was she receiving during that period?
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic First Post
    Options
    NeilCr wrote: »
    Been a CAB volunteer for nigh on ten years now. On a break at the moment so I feel a bit freer than usual to respond to this.

    In terms of your neighbour having to queue up I’m really not surprised. Many CABs are mainly staffed by volunteers because of lack of funding and are faced with ever increasing number of clients. Having spent some time trying to recruit, train and retain volunteers I know only too well just how difficult that is. In addition, certainly in my area, every single agency from the police to the council, including solicitors etc are more than happy to refer clients to the CAB. I had a client last year who had been pointed our way by the council planners. It gets them off their books.

    Perhaps, hamaradam you and your neighbour would like to ask your local CAB if you could visit and see what it’s really like. Who knows you may feel that you could get involved as opposed to sniping from the sidelines....

    And, yes, before I get jumped on I know CAB sometimes can’t provide alll the answers, can get it wrong. But, it’s worth remembering that, basically, it’s a volunteer organisation with limited funding (I won’t get into the politics) which is expected to give advice on immigration, benefits, relationships, employment, debt, consumer etc etc etc.

    Dead easy to have a go. Not quite so simple to do it yourself!

    All are volunteers are they?

    https://www.indeed.co.uk/viewjob?jk=cf1d37e4916b92fa&from=myjobs&tk=1c38e61339cki850

    Not the first job in East Anglia that has come up as a paid position over the years for the CAB.
  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    Penitent wrote: »
    He didn't say they were all volunteers.

    Thanks Penitent.

    It does help when people read and understand your posts!

    As a guide I’d say, in terms of client facing folks, our CAB has something like a 1:8 ratio of paid v volunteers. A number of our paid staff are in managerial /admin roles.
  • hamaradam
    hamaradam Posts: 266 Forumite
    Options
    Just an update, relative has now got ALL which was owed. I am very surprised, she has got this, simply by writing to the jobcentre dealing with her. She is quite happy, as originally she was told she could not be given it., i think that was the ESA People who told her no. So she was persistent. They didn't send any covering letter.

    Now, here's a conundrum...if CAB are not government funded, then why when services are axed for austerity, are CAB 's closed down?

    Also, i have found evidence of CAB working with other agencies to get people to go bankrupt, in order for CAB to get bonuses, (like people such as stepchange, debt guardian for instance)...and give information of a clients mobility to DLA/jobcentre...much like when one buys a TV from Argos they insist on your details in order to pass on to tv licencing.....

    In the words of dixon of dock green , "evening all".....
  • hamaradam
    hamaradam Posts: 266 Forumite
    Options
    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/cuts-in-cab-funding-leaving-thousands-with-nowhere-to-turn-for-help/

    Imagine my surprise to see on this webpage that the CAB actually ARE government funded....it clearly says so...(oh double dear alice holt) and just one of their sponsors are 'lowell' a debt collection, debt buying agency.....i rest my case....
  • hamaradam
    hamaradam Posts: 266 Forumite
    Options
    Says under the header 'how citizens advice bureau are funded. ... Oh dear indeed...!!!55357;!!!56850;
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.1K Life & Family
  • 247.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards