DLA - Renewal Problems

f1widow

Im just wondering if at anytime the DWP would give an extension on renewals.

The issue is I moved and informed them but in the meantime they had sent my renewal form out to my old address as they said it was already prepared when i changed the address - because of it being redirected it took a few more weeks to reach me.

I had help from an outside organisation to fill my first form in and they no longer, due to cutbacks come and help so they suggested I asked DWP for a copy of my old form - which i did - it took them 6 weeks to send it to me (even after chasing them continually)

I filled form in and sent it only to find out last week after ringing to confirm whether they had received it that it had not been received - issued second form which I have duly filled in and returned straight away.

My claim is due to end next week - they say it takes two weeks in the post room to deal with then a further 11 weeks to complete - if it is received after its classed as a new claim - they say there is no difference between renewal and new claim except that when it is received they will back date it IF it is received before end date


They say I have had the full time scale allowable to return form and therefore on their part there is nothing they can do - can they give extensions and how long should you normally get to fill form in and send back? Also because it is so close now to my end date how will I know when they actually did receive it to get a back dated claim ?

Many thanks for any help

cattie

DWP do give extensions when they feel there is good cause. You could try writing to them (try to get a name of a manager or team member to address your letter to) & outline your reasons for the delay & ask them to consider granting you an extension. Often extensions are given if the applicant is having trouble getting help from a welfare rights organisation to assist with filling out the forms.

Always send any forms or any type of correspondence to dwp by recorded mail, then you are (hopefully) able to prove receipt by them in cases where they claim not to have received forms or letters. Always photocopy anything you send so you can resend info if necessary & it's always wise to have your own copy for reference anyway.

Usually with DWP correspondence goes to one building which may be miles away from the one it is intended for, & is then sent via internal mail/packet to the building that the claim is being handled by. Because of this method, there often are delays with post being received by the department it's intended for.