help

justme38

i am in need of urgent advice. my mother was awarded 'criminal injury compensation' due to a very nasty physical and sexual attack. most of this has been spent and she automatically thought dwp would know about this, yesterday she had a compliance officer visit. this woman was a complete !!!!! (sorry about the language) and had my mum in tears. (she is claiming DLA)

apparently inland rev was informed as she had intrest built up in her bank accounts. they have told her she has to provide them with all her bank statements. my mum is terrified that she could be done for fraud because she had compensation. does anyone know if you are not allowed 'criminal injury compensation' if you claim benefits. i do know that you are not allowed 'personal injury' compensation. tried to see citizens advice but couldn't be seen and two solicitors have told us they don't deal with probs about benefits. i would be grateful for any advice i'm at my wits end.:(

Gettingtherequickly

First of all, I am sorry for what your mum has had to go through.

With regard CICA, yes she can be awarded it if on benefits. Unfortunately, the scheme is extremely complex as everything is factored in when making a decision on an award, eg from benefits being paid, to inablility to work as a consequence of the crime, to victim's involvement in the incident eg, did victim throw the first punch, to possible interest on investment of award. I am not saying this to frighten you, but to reassure you that the benefits would have been considered when making the award.

You mention that she is on DLA, was she receiving this when making the claim? If so, she would have detailed it on the application, so there should not be much to be concerned about. I hope that she kept copies of everything, if so it may be worthwhile her speaking to another compliance officer, with the paperwork and explain everything, but at the same time emphasise that it was a traumatic time and the previous officer was opening old wounds (no pun intended).

Keep positive and you will get her through this.

justme38

hi, thanks so much for the reply. mother was awarded compensation over five years ago and was recieving benefits and still is. we assumed dwp would know she got this compensation but is scared to death they will do her for fraud cause she has money.(90% of it has already gone).

anyway thanks again its been impossible to find help from someone.

bobajob_1966

What other benefits is she receiving? DLA is not means tested. I assume the amount was over £16,000?