Incapacity Benefit advice pls

GhostHunter_3

Hello

I have been on Incapacity Benefit for just over a year and had a form sent to me on 21st November 2008, it was an IB50 IB QUESTIONAIRE FORM from the Medical services on behalf of the DWP. They told me to complete the form and return it no later than 6th January 09.

Due to family problems I didn't complete the form imediately and so got another letter dated 22nd December 2008 (a month later) to remind me I hadn't returned the questionaire!

I completed the questionaire and posted it back on 29th December 2008.

I still haven't heared anything back from the benefits people and need to change the account the benefit is paid into but I am waiting for a response from them incase they change anything or I get sent for a medical or something.

DOes it always take this long for a reply? I cansee they're still paying money into my account once a fortnight and the amount hasn't changed but I dont want to have a shock and find out they suddenly stop paying or something without ample warning first before a dramatic drop in our income.

Thanks in advance for help.

H

NASA_2

Ring them. Its the only solution.

sweeper133

Hi H,
A possible reason for the delay in response is the new sickness benefit that has replaced IB - Employment and Support Allowance - is still in its infancy and benefit teams and decision makers are bogged down with this.

You may as well ring them to check to see what is going on, make a note of who you spoke to and when it was in case of problems later. It is probable that the person you speak to initially will not have a lot of information, ask for someone from the processing team to ring you back if thats the case.

You should still be able to change the account you have it paid into. This request would not need to be looked at by the same people who have to look at the IB50.

Sweeper

GhostHunter_3

Hi

Thanks for the reply. Who do I ring the Medical Services who sent me the form or the local IB benefit office / Jobcentre?

ANy ideas where I can find the number as there's no telephone number on either of the letters I mentioned.

Thanks again.

sweeper133

Start with the IB benefit office. Which in my area is the Jobcentre as well. The numbers are usually 0845 or 0800 and you have options when you ring to speak to someone regarding IB. Check the telephone directory or try on here http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Aboutus/Ouroffices/index.html