Attendance Allowance form not received by DWP

clarabow2

Hi, I'm new here I hope this is the right place to post.

I applied for Attendance Allowance last November but was turned down, asked them to reconsider but they didn't change their minds. However the chap on the phone said because circumstances had changed since my application in November he would send new form to try again.

I did this and posted it to them in the prepaid envelope (New Claims) on 31st March, I didn't receive their "received it" letter within the 2 weeks they stated so I rang them yesterday 15th April to be told they haven't received my claim!! Now they say leave it until after Easter, phone them again (0845 number of course) and they will send a new form!!

I am so annoyed at this, why should I complete yet another one when I sent the latest one back within their dated time and they have lost or not received it. I asked if they would let me send the copy I kept and they said yes but now having remembered that their date expiry was 15th April, will they accept the copy? Does anyone know if they "lose" or not receive claims and personal details a lot?

Would really appreciate your advice as to what to do next please. Many thanks.

Morglin

They have been known to lose things - my advice would be to always send any important letters or forms to them, by Special Delivery.

That way, you can track if it's been delivered and when.

Lin

lld01

If it was sent to a mail handling site (Wolverhampton or Telford address?) then there are sometimes delays in forwarding the forms to the correct benefit centre. 10 working days for it to arrive at the processing centre from the date it was posted (especilly if posted 2nd class) is not ideal but not that unusual.

If, however, they still have not recieved it when you call back next week, you don't really have any other option but to send another form. A copy would probably be ok as long as you re-sign it.

clarabow2

Hi,

Thanks for your replies. The form was sent to Blackpool which is where I sent the first one to and the one they replied to within 5 days of receipt (the one they rejected later). I can only assume it is lost in their system somewhere which is gutting when this is the second application AND instigated by them anyway!

Thanks for your help, I guess I was too trusting after knowing the first form got through even for rejection. Maybe I'm just being cynical but one wonders if this one might have been accepted but with cut backs et al....who knows what happens to a percentage of claims even being put aside to await perusal maybe...

nannytone_2

iys no real help to the OP. but all forms should be sent by recorded delivery. the onus is always placed on the claimant for proof

confuseddaughter_2

nannytone wrote: »

iys no real help to the OP. but all forms should be sent by recorded delivery. the onus is always placed on the claimant for proof

Shame that the DWP don't do the same. They can post (or say they post) something which never arrives, yet they only have to demonstrate that their records show it to have been posted to the last known address 2nd class for it to treated as legally delivered!
Whether it actually arrives is of no relevance.


Try telling them that you will do the same and wait and see what the reply is.

frasersmum123

confuseddaughter wrote: »

Try telling them that you will do the same and wait and see what the reply is.

Hope is that helpful to the OP, Andy?

confuseddaughter_2

clarabow2 wrote: »

Hi, I'm new here I hope this is the right place to post.

I applied for Attendance Allowance last November but was turned down, asked them to reconsider but they didn't change their minds. However the chap on the phone said because circumstances had changed since my application in November he would send new form to try again.

I did this and posted it to them in the prepaid envelope (New Claims) on 31st March, I didn't receive their "received it" letter within the 2 weeks they stated so I rang them yesterday 15th April to be told they haven't received my claim!! Now they say leave it until after Easter, phone them again (0845 number of course) and they will send a new form!!

I am so annoyed at this, why should I complete yet another one when I sent the latest one back within their dated time and they have lost or not received it. I asked if they would let me send the copy I kept and they said yes but now having remembered that their date expiry was 15th April, will they accept the copy? Does anyone know if they "lose" or not receive claims and personal details a lot?

Would really appreciate your advice as to what to do next please. Many thanks.

I would mention that the DWP are a lot more picky as regards awarding this benefit. I heard somewhere that only about 40% of all claims actually end up with an award without the need to appeal. Much the same now as DLA it seems. Plus they are tending only to give short term awards - up to 2 years at a time. My mum tried many times to get it, then they awarded it for 2 years. It ceases next month, so to do a brand new claim or don't bother are the only options. She is 70, severely disabled and totally unable to look after herself.

tomtontom

confuseddaughter wrote: »

I would mention that the DWP are a lot more picky as regards awarding this benefit. I heard somewhere that only about 40% of all claims actually end up with an award without the need to appeal. Much the same now as DLA it seems. Plus they are tending only to give short term awards - up to 2 years at a time. My mum tried many times to get it, then they awarded it for 2 years. It ceases next month, so to do a brand new claim or don't bother are the only options. She is 70, severely disabled and totally unable to look after herself.

Make up your mind - last week she was 71! :rotfl:

confuseddaughter_2

tomtontom wrote: »

Make up your mind - last week she was 71! :rotfl:

If you enjoy reading all of my posts going back to the very first one, I would suggest that you read things a little more carefully in future.
Yes I did make a mistake for which I offered an explanation many days ago. She is 70. My maths are terrible.

confuseddaughter_2

frasersmum123 wrote: »

Hope is that helpful to the OP, Andy?

I thought that it was, maybe you aren't on the same wavelength of intelligence that the rest of us are?
OK Sandy, Andy, you simply missed the first letter. Your apology is accepted.