Benefits/Job Centre/Triage admit their wrong, but wont pay

[Deleted User]

Following on from my previous thread, which seems to have spiralled out of hand.

This has been going on for, over 2 months now. Originally, I was suppose to lose 1 weeks ESA, as I never done what was asked of me.... So when I lost 2 weeks ESA, I kept phoning the Benefits centre, the job centre and Triage. As every time I phoned the benefits centre, they passed the buck to the job centre, who would pass the buck to Triage, and they would pass the buck back to the benefits centre.

Eventually I got a call from a guy who I had seen at the job centre, almost 2 years ago. He said, I can't believe what has happened to you, and this whole mess is the reason why you received that atrocious ESA payment. He said, the job centre told Triage that I would be classed as voluntary, and do NOT have to attend Triage. We told them that it was up to you, when and if you want to go along to Triage. Plus the fact is, you receive carers allowance, which makes you exempt from attending Triage. He said he would sort out the situation with Triage, and he would get my 2 weeks ESA money back.

A week later I received a letter from Triage telling me of my next appointment that I MUST attend. I phoned them and said that I am a volunteer, and DO not have to attend triage, and that also by receiving carers allowance, I do not have to attend. They said that they were never informed that I was voluntary and were never told I received carers allowance. I said well, that's lies as I have told you on several occasions I received carers allowance, because I kept getting asked how much money I received. Triage said they would call me back later that day. I waited 2 days and decided to phone them since they never called me back. Triage said, yeah it's all sorted now, just come and see us anytime you need some help.

As for my 2 weeks ESA money, I waited and waited, no payment. Decided to go to the citizens advice, to see if they can help. Told them my situation. That I was penalized for something I don't actually have to do, but I am struggling to get my money, even though all parties admit their wrong. They just want the others to sort the problem out. The woman I seen, also looked up the rules regarding ESA, for those in the WRG. She said so you have been told told you were voluntary to TRige, I said yes. She then pulled out a book and showed me that it states in the book, people in the WRG receiving carers allowance, do NOT have to attend the work program (Triage in my case) so you are also correct there. Her advice was to write a complaint, stating I am volunteer, I receive carers allowance, I have been told I am due 2 weeks ESA money, and complain that I was told to attend TRIAGE, when I never had to.

I got home and decided to phone and put a complaint in, the complain line is just the same number by the way as the ESA number at the benefits centre.. Spoke to the guy, and he said, yes I can see here (on my screen) you were sanctioned 2 weeks, and like you said, you should never have been. As it's down here voluntary, PLUS carers allowance would make you exempt. As usual he tried to pass the buck back to the job centre, to receive the 2 weeks payment. I said no, I am tired of the Benefits centre passing the buck to the job centre, who pass the buck to Triage, who pass the buck back to the start. He said, well all I can do is, put a message forward seeing if the decision to sanction you will be over turned, and will take up to the 15th to get back to you. I just said ok, I will wait. Which makes no sense.

Weirdly, 10 minutes later, the guy who I had spoke with at the job centre phoned me. He said this is ridiculous now. He told me he has tried and tried to get that 2 weeks money for me, but nobody seems to be doing the work. Asked me what the benefits centre said to me, I told him. He said he would try again, but I never heard from it. that was 8 days ago.

This really is crazy. All 3 parties admit they are wrong, have told me I am due 2 weeks ESA money, but still I wait and wait, over 2 months now.

What can I do???? I certainly won't give up.

Thank you.

[Deleted User]

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/about-the-esa-groups/

Work-related activities

If you’re in the work-related activity group, you’ll be expected to take part in work-related activity unless:

you’re a single parent with a child under one year old
you’re a carer getting Carer’s Allowance or a carer premium as part of your ESA claim

KxMx

Hi OP. I remember your last thread.
From what you've posted there has been an appeal against the sanction. The outcome of which isn't clear- no decision letter and a part payment.
I'd stop engaging with the DWP at this point and contact your MP.

Alice_Holt

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/complaints-procedure

Do it in writing and copy to your MP with a covering letter.

sheramber

You need to put in a complaint in writing and write across the top, in red, the word COMPLAINT.

pipkin71

Understand your frustration OP.

I spent 22 days in hospital last year and certain benefits were stopped even though they shouldn't have. It took weeks to get them reinstated and even longer to get the missed payment.

Definitely complain but also chase them up for your missing payment.

Good luck

[Deleted User]

Phoned up the complain department at the DWP. I was told that I would receive a letter in the post by the 15th, nothing came....

Phoned up my local MP's office yesterday. The first thing the lady said to me was, maybe you should put a complaint in, to see if you get paid the money your due. I explained that I had in fact put a complaint in, was told I would be notified by the 15th, but I wasn't.

She said they would certainly look into this matter for me. To try and get my 2 weeks money I am due, and to ask why the complaint was never dealt with.

BUT she said, "I cant promise that we will be able to solve this problem for you" and that she would be in contact with me, as soon as they hear anything.

If your MP cant help fix the problem, where do you go then????

[Deleted User]

An MP can only "try" and resolve a problem for you, they have no magic wand. Personally now I would write directly to the secretary of state at the DWP with your complaint.
Good luck

[Deleted User]

I would write to your MP, giving names where you can of the efforts you have made.

Like everyone else, MP's offices forget telephone calls. My MP is useless.