incapacity stopped

beth58_2

DWP call centre staff are often on short term contracts and have very little training other than how use the computer programme. It's not that they lie they just don't know themselves and try to bluff their way through. It's always best to do your own homework and look up the info on benefit checker or Directgov.com then call them telling them what you think your entitled to. This methord works for me when at work or helping friends/neighbours with benefit claims.

andyandflo

beth58 wrote: »

DWP call centre staff are often on short term contracts and have very little training other than how use the computer programme. It's not that they lie they just don't know themselves and try to bluff their way through. It's always best to do your own homework and look up the info on benefit checker or Directgov.com then call them telling them what you think your entitled to. This methord works for me when at work or helping friends/neighbours with benefit claims.

That's the most strangest advice I have heard!!

So the poor old taxpayer/claimant should investigate using the internet, as to whether his or her particular circumstances will entitle them to various benefits. Once you have chapter and verse with the relevant section of the Regulations to hand - you then telephone the DWP to ask them what they think of the research you have carried out and if they agree with you.

Who is supposed to know this info??

The DWP of course and the public should have enough confidence in them that they get the advice right, first time!!
What is happening to this country?

No, don't answer that question.

cyclonebri1

andyandflo wrote: »

That's the most strangest advice I have heard!!

So the poor old taxpayer/claimant should investigate using the internet, as to whether his or her particular circumstances will entitle them to various benefits. Once you have chapter and verse with the relevant section of the Regulations to hand - you then telephone the DWP to ask them what they think of the research you have carried out and if they agree with you.

Who is supposed to know this info??

The DWP of course and the public should have enough confidence in them that they get the advice right, first time!!
What is happening to this country?

No, don't answer that question.

And I have to say your post is even more incredulous.

It's unfortunate as you fail to understand that these people do get it wrong, quite often if you take the trouble to read some of the various threads in this section of the forum.

We, the taxpayer/average Joe or whatever have no faith in any government body since the expenses scam.

Go to the entitled.co or whatever if anyone doubts what is stated here:(

ChishyChoshy

I'm fairly sure the rules changed and when appealing Incapacity Benefit medical decisions unless you were on Income Support with it before you cannot claim Income Support reduced rate. You can claim ESA but there's a 95% chance they wouldn't pay you until after you attended their own medical (could take a month or more). Which of course leaves Jobseekers who won't allow you to claim if you say you are too sick to look for work.

Stupid system.

andyandflo

ChishyChoshy wrote: »

I'm fairly sure the rules changed and when appealing Incapacity Benefit medical decisions unless you were on Income Support with it before you cannot claim Income Support reduced rate. You can claim ESA but there's a 95% chance they wouldn't pay you until after you attended their own medical (could take a month or more). Which of course leaves Jobseekers who won't allow you to claim if you say you are too sick to look for work.

Stupid system.

Hey another gets caught up in the JSA/ESA roundabout!!!

beth58_2

andyandflo wrote: »

That's the most strangest advice I have heard!!

So the poor old taxpayer/claimant should investigate using the internet, as to whether his or her particular circumstances will entitle them to various benefits. Once you have chapter and verse with the relevant section of the Regulations to hand - you then telephone the DWP to ask them what they think of the research you have carried out and if they agree with you.

Who is supposed to know this info??

The DWP of course and the public should have enough confidence in them that they get the advice right, first time!!
What is happening to this country?

No, don't answer that question.

Might be strange but unfortunately true, how many call centres know whats what these days? It took 3 weeks just to get a form off DWP because the system didn't show one of my benefits even though I've got it in writing and it's going into my bank account!

Another example is I rang a phone company to ask about the release of a particular phone, he didn't have a clue so rather than answer my questions he tried to sell me other services.
YES THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF ALL CALL CENTRES IS CRAZY, in my opinion based on personal experience.

andyandflo

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

We, the taxpayer/average Joe or whatever have no faith in any government body since the expenses scam.

here:(

What on earth has the subject got to do with the 'Expenses' of MP's.

First of all, it is the Civil Service that gives advice to the public NOT MP's. MP's are there to run the country with the help of the Civil Service.

Secondly, what the MP's did, apart from a few bad apples, was nothing more or less than what most ordinary people do with expense accounts.
Most believed that what they did was legal and within the confines of the Regulations. OK, they tried to bend the rules a little - tell me if that never happens in outside industry.

You can't generalise and say that the whole Civil Service is not fit for purpose because a few MP's chanced it to claim for something that they shouldn't have.

andyandflo

Red_Shoes_No_Knickers wrote: »

Bless you, you do seem to get very flustered my dear. I always find a nice large glass of wine (or maybe even the bottle?) helps when I'm feeling a little perturbed?

Hope that helps!

I could take that as a sarcastic dig at me!!!

But for the benefit of doubt, I don't think you know that I am an alcoholic!!

dreamylittledream

ChishyChoshy wrote: »

I'm fairly sure the rules changed and when appealing Incapacity Benefit medical decisions unless you were on Income Support with it before you cannot claim Income Support reduced rate. You can claim ESA but there's a 95% chance they wouldn't pay you until after you attended their own medical (could take a month or more). Which of course leaves Jobseekers who won't allow you to claim if you say you are too sick to look for work.

Stupid system.

This is true with the side note that if you failed the PCA (current IB medical) then there is almost no chance of you passing the WCA (ESA medical).

Also it can take up to the full assessment period (13 weeks) for you to get an ATOS appointment if you claim ESA following a disallowance for Icap (same thing applies if you fail to attend the WCA medical).

In the very short term you can claim a crisis loan - in the longer term claiming JSA may be the only viable option (social fund will not pay crisis loans for the endless period it can take ESA to sort a WCA referral or the months an IB appeal can take without any payment).

cyclonebri1

andyandflo wrote: »

What on earth has the subject got to do with the 'Expenses' of MP's.

First of all, it is the Civil Service that gives advice to the public NOT MP's. MP's are there to run the country with the help of the Civil Service.

Secondly, what the MP's did, apart from a few bad apples, was nothing more or less than what most ordinary people do with expense accounts.
Most believed that what they did was legal and within the confines of the Regulations. OK, they tried to bend the rules a little - tell me if that never happens in outside industry.

You can't generalise and say that the whole Civil Service is not fit for purpose because a few MP's chanced it to claim for something that they shouldn't have.

I can and just did. I happen to feel the whole system whether direct government or civil service is a either inept or corupt. that covers 99% all situations.

My point was that they do get it wrong, intentionally or otherwise.

Now you really are having a laugh. :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: