Access to work problems

ladybelle

I was accepted under the Access to Work scheme back in June and was told my 'account' was all set up from 27th June and I was sent paperwork to sign and return - which they received early July. My employer received some paperwork, then I waited and waited for another letter to come with claim forms and bank forms.

Nothing came.

Made multiple phone calls only to be seeming to go around in circles. My original advisor says he cant do anything as he only set up the account, every time I ring the contact centre they say they are only a contact centre and will pass on messages. But they arent going anywhere.

Eventually I just emailed the Access to Work email and was sent via email the claim forms but still no bank forms and I wasnt sure which address to send it to so didnt want to send my personal details in the post to somewhere random.

More phone calls ensued, my Remploy advisor then tried to chase it up too.

I was told to just send the claim forms in with my receipts, which I did - and sent a covering letter. I sent it by recorded delivery and they had it a week ago but still nothing.

I rang up again yesterday, and they say it's still not showing on the system.

I cannot afford to keep paying this out without getting my money back, I'm already owed £82 and in the next couple weeks that will double as my new rota will be starting.

I'm at a total loss, noone seems to be able to help me.

Has anyone else had problems like this ? Can anyone advise what else I could try and do ? Latest yesterday was they would email me the bank detail forms but they never turned up either !! I just cant believe a Government department supposed to help disabled people can be so useless !! (well actually maybe I can ! LOL)

DomRavioli

Put in a complaint? You should have the phone number for your regional centre, and ask them if they will take the initial complaint over the phone, then follow it up in writing.

And ask again for the bank forms. They can email them.

saraih

Access to work have consistently taken at least two weeks to reimburse since my OH started on it. The first remittance took three weeks if I recall. They won't even entertain enquiries until two weeks.

This can be difficult for us as it is a relatively large amount of money and we have to keep one months worth to one side and aren't able to touch it even in emergencies.

I'd try for a month's worth if you can but they vary wildly throughout the year, sometimes they catch up completely, other times it is over three weeks.

The reason they give is that usually people claim once a month, but that would mean having two months up front and we just can't afford to keep that amount in reserve.

I'm sorry I can't help you with the other problem of your bank details. Maybe in another week when it's on their system they'll take the details from you.

Is it the Wales number you're calling? we send our forms to Wolverhampton now, but all the enquiries were to a Welsh callcentre.

saraih

I've just asked OH and the same people that send the claim forms out send out the bank details form.

The form you need is DP228JP, it is called a new or amended details form.

GlasweJen

Contact your MP and point out that you're disabled, disadvantaged enough at getting and keeping a job and ask them to chase it.

I need to contact mine a lot and they do help. a2W are a pain in the neck

ladybelle

I never got the claim forms either though ! that took weeks of claiming then someone from the main A2W helpline emailed those but didnt email bank details - I didnt even know I had to have it by bank ? The claim form says who do I want it paid to so I thought maybe they would send a giro or something but I guess I'm living in the dark ages !
Thing is "the system" must have my bank details anyway !!! as I get DLA and WTC so it's surely just a question of them pressing a button somewhere !
I hadnt thought about contacting my MP !!! She actually visited the Centre where I worked once ! so yes I think I definitely will ! I have now asked for them to be emailed - but this was Friday - and again they said it takes 2 -3 working days for an email !!
I sent the claim forms to Wolverhampton but I dont know which contact centre I ring when I get through ?
It has really caused a lot of added stress to the already stress about having to move offices which I am struggling to cope with. Its made me ill and caused my blood pressure to rise so much I now need to go on meds which I'm not happy about

1DayAAT

A2W a shambles in our experience. Have been trying to get someone at our workplace a mentor to support them with workplace challenges arising from their autism. Just going around in circles constantly with their call centre - have sent in all the requested docs and letters and whatever else but getting nowhere. Meanwhile the poor guy is suffering as a mentor would help him greatly and exactly the kind of thing the scheme was meant to help with, it could make or break him staying in the job, but A2W are hugely frustrating. Maybe they do it on purpose so we all just give up.

ladybelle

So sorry to hear that - we considered a support worker but as long as I have reliable taxi service I *think* I'll be ok, it's still early days for me. But now I am getting so out of pocket with the fares, it is just a joke ! The contact centre is HOPELESS.

I hope you get yours sorted out too.