How I live now.

ZTD

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

At the end of November last year I was frogmarched to the benefits office by a very dear friend. I'd never claimed anything but JSA when I was previously unemployed, and was resolute in not applying for benefits - mostly because of pride, and also because I didn't want to be seen in the same way as the people you see on those awful benefits programmes.

Why do you watch them then?

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

The 9 page document apparently explains what's happened - but I can tell you, as a degree educated, reasonably intelligent person that has worked for both the central gvt and the CAB - that it doesn't.

It won't, because it's not supposed to. It's meant to insert doubt in your mind about yourself.

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

It takes 9 pages to say that all of the information that I supplied - as required - has been classed as being somehow wrong because HMRC 'have provided your earnings or private pension details' and goes on to suggest that I have been dishonest in some way. SAY WHAT?!!


I provided all of those details when I made the original claim. The very nice lady actually told me that I didn't need to give them as much information as I had, so the very sniff of a suggestion that I've in someway defrauded the government has really narked me. In fact, the tone of the entire 9 pages of drivel has *really* hacked me off. Right from the start there is the assumption that I made the mistake and not them - pretty hard since I gave them everything they asked for when making the initial claim. Then, on the second sentence, they state that they're entitled to ask for the money back. Well of course they are - I haven't argued it, I'm not doubting it (well, I am a bit - but it's their money...frankly, I'm grateful for anything at all), so why the belligerence? Grrr!!

The belligerence is there to "persuade" you not to continue with your claim. If you don't, somebody will get a bonus for "getting someone off benefits" - there is an exact phrase, but I can't remember it off-hand.

You know, like they'd got you a job, but without the hard work by them.

That's why they will accuse to make you feel defensive, belittle to knock your confidence, and obfuscate to make you feel stupid. Just so the likelihood that you will not continue with your claim will go up.

Another example: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/family/2015/02/single-parents-sent-threatening-letters-demanding-proof-they-live-alone?_ga=1.110104897.577636197.1412865321

What's amusing about that one is: "We are reviewing the inclusion of potential partners' names in letters as we understand this could be insensitive in some cases – we apologise for any distress this might have caused."

The inclusion of people's names in letters to you stating their name and "alleged" address is illegal under the Data Protection Act. DWP couldn't give a flying fart about what distress they cause to others (as you've found out, and as the ATOS test people found out), but someone suing them for passing their details to random strangers like they were Smarties, is a trouser-filler for bureaucrats like them.

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

Now, I am actually going to get in touch with them - purely out of curiosity as I'm intrigued to see what HMRC have said that I didn't. Enquiring minds and all that.

Do that. Get to know exactly what information was supplied. Be reasonable the first time, you can always crank up the volume later.

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

But Lordy, I sat here reading these 9 pages today and thought to myself - if you're one of those so-called scroungers, and you've managed to get anything from this system that's a constant amount and useful in any way, then I reckon you've probably done more in the way of work than most people would appreciate!

It's like water off a duck's back to them. The aggression/insinuation only works against people who aren't on the rough side of life.

Knitting_Nora

Zeddy!! It's good to see your wisdom wandering all over my diary once again. How are you?


I promise, I don't watch those awful shows - come to think of it, I don't watch much tv at all these days *eyes up the tv and whether it's worth getting rid of it* just occasionally I don't make it to the off switch in time.

RosaBernicia

I don't watch those programmes for similar reasons to why I don't watch the news - it just upsets me for no good reason as it distracts me from more useful things I could be doing. (I read the BBC website at a time that suits me and don't click on things that will wind me up unless I will learn that enables me to change it.)

I don't understand why their communications are so appalling either - here's hoping they will get smacked with a requirements for user engagement in the same way that government websites have now.

Well done on your Ebay pile - I ought to list some stuff as well this weekend so we can do mutual nagging

And good luck with extracting sense from HMRC :eek::T


Rosa xx

ZTD

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

Zeddy!!

:wave:

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

It's good to see your wisdom wandering all over my diary once again.

That sounds rude...

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

How are you?

I'm fine - especially on Fridays. I hope you're feeling better after your nastygram from the DWP.

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

I promise, I don't watch those awful shows - come to think of it, I don't watch much tv at all these days *eyes up the tv and whether it's worth getting rid of it* just occasionally I don't make it to the off switch in time.

There are a fair few people who have given up the TV. I suppose there's only so many home makeover, Antique Flipping, and "Get In the Kitchen and Make Me a Pie" programmes that normal sane and rational people can watch before becoming something else...

RosaBernicia wrote: »

I don't watch those programmes for similar reasons to why I don't watch the news - it just upsets me for no good reason as it distracts me from more useful things I could be doing. (I read the BBC website at a time that suits me and don't click on things that will wind me up unless I will learn that enables me to change it.)

I don't watch the telly because it's mostly garbage. What good stuff there is can be bought for a lot less outlay than a TV license. I don't read the BBC website as (in line with all other State-financed broadcasters) it is rather stuffed with propaganda - if rather more subtle (and less amusing) than Russia Today. I do read a lot of blogs and foreign news - but that may possibly open your eyes up a bit too far, and you'll become as twisted and cynical as myself... :A

RosaBernicia wrote: »

I don't understand why their communications are so appalling either

It has its purpose. It's not nice, but it has a purpose never the less.

RosaBernicia wrote: »

- here's hoping they will get smacked with a requirements for user engagement in the same way that government websites have now.

It'll never happen: "DWP - taking the 'civil' out of 'Civil Service'."

Aaleigha

have a great day will catch up later off to visit son

I did pm you dont know if you got it
H

Eager_Elephant

Knitting_Nora wrote: »

At the end of November last year I was frogmarched to the benefits office by a very dear friend. I'd never claimed anything but JSA when I was previously unemployed, and was resolute in not applying for benefits - mostly because of pride, and also because I didn't want to be seen in the same way as the people you see on those awful benefits programmes.


Anyway, I now get a little help with housing benefit and working tax credit. I'm very grateful, and frankly it's motivated me to work harder to come off them as quickly as possible.


But this morning, I was reminded why I'm actually (and inappropriately) a little in awe of those Daily Mail/Sun headline 'benefit scroungers' who never work a day and get all the help there is. Put simply - it's a bloody hard system to work with!!


I've been notified that my HB has been overpaid - which means my monthly benefit helpy-bit will reduce with immediate effect from £158.06 to £129.90 - a reduction of £28.16.


The 9 page document apparently explains what's happened - but I can tell you, as a degree educated, reasonably intelligent person that has worked for both the central gvt and the CAB - that it doesn't. It takes 9 pages to say that all of the information that I supplied - as required - has been classed as being somehow wrong because HMRC 'have provided your earnings or private pension details' and goes on to suggest that I have been dishonest in some way. SAY WHAT?!!


I provided all of those details when I made the original claim. The very nice lady actually told me that I didn't need to give them as much information as I had, so the very sniff of a suggestion that I've in someway defrauded the government has really narked me. In fact, the tone of the entire 9 pages of drivel has *really* hacked me off. Right from the start there is the assumption that I made the mistake and not them - pretty hard since I gave them everything they asked for when making the initial claim. Then, on the second sentence, they state that they're entitled to ask for the money back. Well of course they are - I haven't argued it, I'm not doubting it (well, I am a bit - but it's their money...frankly, I'm grateful for anything at all), so why the belligerence? Grrr!!


Now, I am actually going to get in touch with them - purely out of curiosity as I'm intrigued to see what HMRC have said that I didn't. Enquiring minds and all that.


But Lordy, I sat here reading these 9 pages today and thought to myself - if you're one of those so-called scroungers, and you've managed to get anything from this system that's a constant amount and useful in any way, then I reckon you've probably done more in the way of work than most people would appreciate!

Sorry to butt in Nora but I saw this and thought I better post.


Employers now have a duty to report wages paid monthly rather than at year end - this is called Real Time Information.


They then share this info with DWP who data match it to benefit claims - if you claim HB and it looks like they have different figures then a notice will be issued to the local authority which will accept HMRC info as gospel and change your Housing Benefit award.


I wonder if prior to November you earned slightly more per month in wages and on an average over the year it is more than what the local authority had for you.


The LA have to tell you what info they have and if it is incorrect you can supply the correct information and this is fed back to DWP.


As it is such a new thing they are trying there is lots of issues cropping up.






Can you check the newest award letters against your old ones and see what has changed between them?


Also what date are they re-assessing from? If it is a past date then you may have an Overpayment which will be deducted at £10.95pw until it is paid back - they have to give 4 weeks notice of this so be careful on your next payment that you don't have even less than £129.


If you need any help give me a shout.

Knitting_Nora

Eager_Elephant wrote: »

Sorry to butt in Nora but I saw this and thought I better post.


Employers now have a duty to report wages paid monthly rather than at year end - this is called Real Time Information.


They then share this info with DWP who data match it to benefit claims - if you claim HB and it looks like they have different figures then a notice will be issued to the local authority which will accept HMRC info as gospel and change your Housing Benefit award.


I wonder if prior to November you earned slightly more per month in wages and on an average over the year it is more than what the local authority had for you.


The LA have to tell you what info they have and if it is incorrect you can supply the correct information and this is fed back to DWP.


As it is such a new thing they are trying there is lots of issues cropping up.






Can you check the newest award letters against your old ones and see what has changed between them?


Also what date are they re-assessing from? If it is a past date then you may have an Overpayment which will be deducted at £10.95pw until it is paid back - they have to give 4 weeks notice of this so be careful on your next payment that you don't have even less than £129.


If you need any help give me a shout.

Thanks Eager Elephant, this is really useful and your offer of help is very kind. I'm assuming that what they've done is looked at what I was earning in my previous job (which ended in Feb 2014). I wasn't working until this current job which started in June, and didn't claim JSA in the meantime as I had savings. Certainly there's been no change in my current wages. Either way, I'm interested to find out.


The revised amount of £129 actually includes £80 of working tax credit, and takes account of the 'overpayment' deductions they've advised me of.


I promise I'm not grumbling at the amount (or the very lovely lady who helped my do my application and maintain a level of dignity in what, for me, was a horrid situation) - it's the gvt's money, their right to do as they will with it in this instance, and frankly I'm grateful for the help in the first place - just grumbling about the tone of the letter.



Of course, my moaning aside, it's a useful reminder to keep on working on increasing my income. See, a motivational silver lining in everything!


Nora.xx

Knitting_Nora

Hello Lovelies!


So today is my birthday - one of those with a 0 in it (not 10, or 100...before anyone asks). And I'm having a fab (but frugal) day with friends.


So, in my absence, please share the cake around:


:bdaycake: and grab yourselves a cuppa :coffee:.


I'll be back to chat tomorrow.


Nora.xx

Aaleigha

Chocolate cake YIPPEEE thanks so much this realy is what I need today

and its so nice it HAS to be homemade

its lovely to share a bit of your birthday with you I hope you are having a brilliant day

RosaBernicia

Haaaappy birthday to yoooou.... squashed tomatoes, etc

Hope you are having a totally fabulous day:beer:

And thanks for the cake - yummy :A:T


Rosa xx