Taped Interview Under Caution

incorrect_2

My son has recieved a letter today which says he has to attend an interview where he will be cautioned as there are grounds that he has committed a criminal offence regarding his DLA we have no idea what this is can anyone shed any light? He works but they know this and there have been no changes in his medical condition. I am worried sick as this does not sound good at all and he will not cope with any stress.

Mara69

Complete strangers are not going to be able to shed any light on why your son has been called in for an interview. It *might* be because of a malicious report. If your son has been claiming DLA for a bad back (for example) and has been doing catwheels down the garden, heavy gardening or something similar then he should be concerned. If he is completely genuine and innocent of all allegations then he has nothing to worry about.

Boots888

I agree with the above.

Whatever, you're in for a long drawn out process and you

1. try to keep calm
2. be prepared, you will cope cause you have to
3. don't get all consumed by it, get on with your life and treat it as peripheral to it, not central to it. All the worry along the way won't make a difference to the outcome.

I wish you both the best meantime;)

incorrect_2

Thanks for the reply but, I am feeling sick with worry for him as he does not cope with things very well and the way the letter is worded is awful. He suffers from systemic scleroderma and syncope plus arthritis. He has always worked and always tried to get on with his life but his mobility is restricted and he suffers terrible pain. Should he take someone with him to this interview or supporting letters from doctors etc?

airborne_61

I would get some one to go with him take all documents relating to his condition. If interview is taped ask for a copy and a transcript of the interview.

Boots888

incorrect wrote: »

Thanks for the reply but, I am feeling sick with worry for him as he does not cope with things very well and the way the letter is worded is awful. He suffers from systemic scleroderma and syncope plus arthritis. He has always worked and always tried to get on with his life but his mobility is restricted and he suffers terrible pain. Should he take someone with him to this interview or supporting letters from doctors etc?

Don't let yourself be intimidated by the letter - latter on you'll get to argue their "approach".

Your son will cope as much as you - its often made worse by loved ones worrying about loved ones. ie your worring about him and he's worrying about you're worring about him and he's worried for you etc etc. Be open, talk about it now and again but don't let completely and utterly consume you as I did in a similar situation.

Yes, Absolutely you should get a third party involved, like an advocate. I wouldn't go without one. You both need support.

incorrect_2

Boots888 thankyou for your reply. I will talk to him about getting some help onboard ready for the interview. I will also speak to his doctors as they are very understanding and he will be able to take some info on his condition with him.

Boots888

Good, you will cope and you will find the strength to do all you need to do - you're already taking control.

I need you to know that in my case I went through similar situation and went through 15 months of for the case to be dropped anyway. I always knew the whole thing was stupid and unjust get angry at how it was approached, dealt with and never got an apology!!

Do get help with it though, there are great people out there that will help you.

Boots888

Oh & keep receipts for everything so when the time comes you can reclaim all your expences!!

vax2002

On the benefit forms it asks what can he not do ?
What did you claim he can not do ?

Also he has a right to silence and the letter is an invitation only.

antrobus

incorrect wrote: »

My son has recieved a letter today which says he has to attend an interview where he will be cautioned as there are grounds that he has committed a criminal offence regarding his DLA we have no idea what this is can anyone shed any light?....

Then he needs a solicitor. Preferably one with some experience in the area.

vax2002 wrote: »

....

Also he has a right to silence....

"You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence."

No commenting your way through an interview under a caution, is one way of convincing the DWP that you are indeed guilty.

vax2002 wrote: »

....
and the letter is an invitation only.

Not turning up is another way.

OP should take heed of the advice given here - http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides/problems-with-benefits/how-to-handle-an-interview-under-caution/