Problems with the DWP (V. Long)

ikkle_2

Thanks real I will ask for a complaints form on Tuesday. I will get it back in as soon as possible and take a note of the persons name.

Sounds like you are having similar problems to me woodbine. I hope they sort it out quickly for you. It's so stressful having to phone all the time and not cheap either.

margaretclare

Thanks to all for the explanation. It was completely new to me. So, the Department of Work and Pensions usually available at the JobCentre Plus. But not available on a Bank Holiday weekend, obviously!

Wouldn't it be a good idea to open a basic bank account, that way you'd be certain of money plopping into the account on the due date, wherever you happen to be at the time?

ikkle_2

I did have a bank account,Royal bank of Scotland and I phoned the DWP when I first started my claim to ask them to change it from giro and put it in my bank. They sent a giro so I never bothered to phone them and ask them to do it again. I need to get a new bank now as I can't go into my bank in England. It's something I will be doing.

dugdale_2

How did you inform JCP of your change of address ? did you complete a change of circumstances form (JCP3) ? as that form would be the one that the BDC use to update your details plus update your Post Office details.

My advice would be to visit your local Jobcentre on Tuesday and ask for a JCP3 and complete it there and then. Also ask for assistance with setting up a Post Office account. Once your PO account has been set up your benefit will be paid directly into the account and you can withdraw it as and when you wish. You won't be able to go overdrawn so that would be one less thing to worry about. When you do secure employment it's very likely that your new employer will want to pay your salary into an account, you will have a PO account so that's once less job to do.

ikkle_2

Thank you dugdale. I didn't fill in a form for change of address. I asked at the job center where I used to live and phoned up to change it. I might get a post office account and see how I go with that. Thank you for the idea.

RuthnJasper

Hi Ikkle,

I'm sorry you are having all this hassle. What with moving (and having to be on benefits in the first place), this sort of incompetence must be the last thing you need.

If you feel you've exhausted every avenue in dealing with the DWP and are still getting nowhere, you could take your complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. Have a squint at his website and see what you think: http://www.ombudsman.org.uk/.

I know that local government/council staff are under a lot of pressure due to ongoing cuts/job insecurity/etc. (I work for my county council, so I know of what I speak!), but there is absolutely NO excuse for incompetence.

Good luck to you. Let us know how you get on. xx

iluvmarmite

Open a post office bank account, its a basic one and anyone can have one. Its the most important thing getting a bank account as you will always have your money paid in, wether you move address or not, it will save you so much hassle as getting giros means too many things can go wrong, well as you are finding out now.

You HAVE to make a complaint to the manager as you have been treated appallingly, sometimes they dont give a s*** about those who claim JSA and dont understand that with out the benefit you will be with out food and not able to pay bills.

Orville

OP.

If you are refering to the jobcentre in your post you need to walk into your new jobcentre and say you want to do a "live transfer."

I moved from the south of england to the east of england just last week and did this. I walked into the jobcentre the day after i moved at around 9.30am asked to do a live transfer and they made me an appointment the same day at 12.15. They gave me a 30 or so page form to fill out before i came back which was easy enough. I came back at 12.15 and it was all sorted within 20 or so minutes. I then signed on, on my usual sign on day (wednesday) and everything went smoothly, my money was in my account by the friday.

I don't know who told you to phone as i have never been told to do it that way. Walk in and ask to do a live transfer.

margaretclare

ikkle wrote: »

I did have a bank account,Royal bank of Scotland and I phoned the DWP when I first started my claim to ask them to change it from giro and put it in my bank. They sent a giro so I never bothered to phone them and ask them to do it again. I need to get a new bank now as I can't go into my bank in England. It's something I will be doing.

If you've never closed your Royal Bank of Scotland account then you can still use it. You can draw cash from it anywhere whether you're in Lerwick or London. We are pensioners and our money plops into our bank accounts on the due date, no hassle. DH has a Royal Bank of Scotland account and I have one with Nationwide. When payment of pensions and benefits went to direct payment some years ago now, the banks were forced to set up 'basic' accounts for those people who hadn't an account and didn't want a lot of the 'frills'.

Mupette

Always always always make a note of time date and person you speak to, it's amazing then that things get done, or are easier to trace, especially if you tell them to listen to the telephone call with the information you supply.

I would find out who your local MP is and write to them, explaining the trouble this has caused you, leaving you with no money over a bank holiday weekend.

Ok so you were lucky this time your family were able to help you, but you know that will not always be the case.

Good luck for Tuesday,