Interview Under Caution for Benefit Fraud investigation

ampersand

Hello again -
Well, found myself at Church again this morning - brekkie prayer service and then brekkie in Vicarage:-). It is and was so good.

Lady Vic asked after the person in the situation I spoke of in last night's quiet time - offered any help she could give, being on a number of benefice panels/charities. I said there was nothing to add, and I would add nothing but that the person was very frightened, not a 'silly teenage Mum', tabloid clich!-style, had real health worries for her daughter. She'd hoped you were local. I said I had no idea where you are, but around that table of 5, with chickens singing in the b/g[2 new eggs while we were there] there was more genuine caring and - yes - LOVE for you both, plus their need to know how things go on Monday. With your permission I will let them know.

But you are here now - and so am I - and so is your steady and growing army of supporters. Whenever one of us has to pop away to do something else, others are still keeping a waiting watch over you.

We do need to thank Martin for what he has created here - the better side of Tinternet:-)

Like you, I steer clear of most social networking; do not live or die by it, nor let it rule my day or set my agenda. Let's you and I join in that and declare that Great Minds Think Alike. I say you and I are very wise.

Another sensible and judicious post by MacMickster expresses this well.

Now, because your green light is on, that tells me you are not out in the sun, taking a walk with little poppet. When did you last try your local Library? Libraries have re-invented themselves in the last few years - some fantastically.

Get outdoors while this lovely weather lasts - Thermos, drink, books, daughter - please do these simple things. They will help prepare you better than anything else.

Did you leave a msg for your MP? CAB again? - the specialist benefits advisors are thin on the ground now, usually have a waiting list, but make it clear you need one. Do not add to your phone bill and anxiety re: legal representation at this stage. I'm sure one of the qualified advisors in the field, who have already posted, will say whether Appeal is a course open to you, should some repayment order be[wrongly]put on you. I don't see how it is justified and have some experience with people who are inarticulate in the face of blind authority.

Also, you could[against all natural instinct, I discern and understand] try and interest your local newspaper, if it comes to that. You need matters put in abeyance, if the i/v goes initially against you.

I wonder if any older hands remember Mumoftwins horror story. Now, that lady and I became actual[not virtual] friends through that and she has re-made her life, though with subsequent sorrow[loss of partner], and she flourishes in a job she loves, as do her splendid twins.

So, dear lady, another rambling passage from me, but I do wish you could see and obey the simple common sense of all we are saying to you.

Again, every blessing to you both.
######
The other thing both I and mumoftwins and countless others - including Martin! - would advise, is to take a marvellous step and ring CAP:

01274 - 760720
https://capuk.org/about-us

Any local? -
https://capuk.org/i-want-help/search

They do not proselytise. Their help and presence in Court or before panels/tribunals etc counts strongly for you, confers 'SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE' status.

Now, that's enough of me. Time for a little glass of wotnot or kettle on - you decide and we'll both have something:-)

ampersand

There's this, new off press:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/05/chris-grayling-announces-legal-aid-reform-u-turn-politics-live-blog

Won't help anyone who needs Legal Aid - quelle surprise!

Instead of beating yourself up with declining hopes of seeing a solicitor before Monday, the Guardian switchboard number is 020 3353 2000 - don't worry if you find yourself tearful as you speak.

- and email a link to this Thread, if you feel too drained to re-cap in a further email:

society@theguardian.com

polly.toynbee@theguardian.com

ampersand

CAP will be brilliant for you.

pm fluttering into your box, with a clunk, about now.

Good girl.

laineybird2000

That's the spirit... Well done. I don't know you but we're both parents, and as such, we have untouched wells of strength that when needed and called on surprise us with just how much we can cope with when we have to.

Take ampersands advice, get out for a walk, take your lunch with you. It'll help.

mum2one

JulieElizabeth wrote: »

Ampersand, your wise and comforting words have literally brought tears to my eyes

:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A:A

Can I second that, xxxx

RAS

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

I am going to try and stop worrying myself sick for the next few days, as its doing neither myself nor my daughter any good. She is picking up on my worry and upset, and she is niggly and stressed today. I look a mess as I've just been sat wallowing in self pity, and lots of housework has built up.

Good

Remember the serenity prayer. Can't remember the exact words but basically

Try to change those things that need changing that you can change
Accept that there are somethings you cannot change
And have the wisdom to know the difference

Take care, lots of snuggles and nice things even if it is just clean sheets and a warm drink.

Maitane

Mumof1littlegirl,

While you say you're terrified and not a fighter, there really isn't much fighting to be done here. Only what you will tell your little girl when she gets older which is to be honest and tell the truth. As everyone has told you, from what you've explained there is no fraud and no crime. Just a very malicious person with some kind of axe to grind.

I really hope you can find the strength to stay as calm as possible and that everything resolves itself for you with the very least amount of fuss and hurt. Always remembering that what goes around, comes around and that the hassle you've been caused will be returned to the person causing it in it's own way.

FBaby

I don't understand why you are getting so worked up about it all. Even if they have filmed you, they are not going to get more than what is the reality, so if he has only come at reasonable hour not staying all days, then surely they won't be able to infer anything from him coming in and out.

You've gathered evidence that you are single, can't he gather some evidence to show that he has a life independent to you?

bloolagoon

Mumof1littlegirl wrote: »

Thank you for your lovely kind words Ampersand. They are really appreciated.

I am going to try and stop worrying myself sick for the next few days, as its doing neither myself nor my daughter any good. She is picking up on my worry and upset, and she is niggly and stressed today. I look a mess as I've just been sat wallowing in self pity, and lots of housework has built up.

I cannot do anything until Monday until I get to the interview and see what I am up against, because I just don't know what they have as evidence. They may only have the paperwork side of it, or they may have watched my house for months, and only then, when I see what they've got will I be able to deal with it.

I'm going to go to the interview with a calm and clear mind, all my household bills that are in my name, and just tell my side of the story. If there is anything they ask me that I feel uncomfortable with or feel unable to answer then I will tell them I unable to answer that question. I will only answer questions that they answer and will not volunteer any other information.

At the end of the day, if they feel they have a lot of evidence to convict me of any crime, I will hopefully be entitled to legal aid and be able to deal with it.

But worrying myself stupid over things is not going to do anyone any good.

One thing I know for sure, is that when this nightmare is finally over, I will be looking for a job. It's going to mean a lot of financial struggle and difficulties with my daughter, but I can't live my life worrying about my every movement and being watched.

I will update you as soon as I have had my interview on Monday. Thank you again for the comments x

What do you mean by they MAY ONLY have the paperwork?

HB58

OP, I'm sorry that I haven't looked in on this thread before. You have got into a state, haven't you?!

You say that you are not a fighter, but I guess you would face the fires of hell for your little girl. Try to harness some of that courage in order to deal with this. Please do everything you can to look after yourself over the next few days. Your little girl needs her mummy to stay fit and well for both of your sakes.

Let's have no more of this nonsense about admitting that you have committed fraud when (I am convinced by what you have told us) you have done nothing of the sort. You have not committed any offence, through naivety or anything else.

It's horrid having to wait for the interview, I know you would much rather get it over and done with. When the time comes you must go along and answer their questions to the best of your ability, then stay quiet.

Meanwhile, please don't frighten yourself further by reading horror stories on the internet. Come here if you are feeling afraid, alone or in need of support. :grouphug: