Unhelpful OR

Poppster

Hi, I'm hoping someone might be able to offer some suggestions.

I recently wrote to the OR explaining that I was 6 months pregnant (single parent) and asking if it would be possible to reassess my payments. I was advised by National Debt Line to include a list of things I would need to provide for the baby and the related costs. I received a reply yesterday stating that "The OR does not find sufficient means at this time to reduce your existing Income Payment".

Has anyone come across this type of situation before? Is it really unreasonable to ask that they would at least allow you some leeway to provide for a child?

I will write back to them but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how best to deal with them.

Thanks for any suggestions

sniggings

I'm guessing they are saying you need to ask again when the child is born? give them a ring if you can and ask,letters are not the best way sometimes as they tend to be short and to the pont from a busy OR,ofc your payments will need to be looked at again,I bet it was just lack of details on the ORs part rather than they were being unhelpful/rude.

fermi

It is reasonable however to purchase additional things in preparation for the baby.

Some extra budgeting is clearly only relevant once the baby has come, but some should arguably be allowed for now?

When you talk to the OR remind them that they are obliged by law to take your family's reasonable domestic needs into consideration. That you feel that not allowing so extra room in your budget to prepare for the child puts them in breach of this obligation.

debtinfo

They don't have to reduce the payments until the actual change in circumstances but i do agree it is a bit mean. Some will some won't. What you can do to increase your chances is make a short list of things you actually need before the baby is born or immediately afterwards, cost them ask for exactly that much reduction as exceptional items not already included in the general ipa calculation. It is harder to say no to a specific request than a general one

Poppster

Thanks for your help, I did actually include a list of all of the items (with prices) that the baby will need. It's almost like they didn't read the information I sent them, they couldn't even address the letter to me it was to Sir/Madam!