PIP didn't change my bank details as requested, I've lost my benefit this month

worldlad909

Hi,

My bank account was suspended/closed as I'm in bankruptcy as the moment, the request for account closure was via the Insolvency Service. The account went recently overdrawn as well due to a debit from quite a while a go it's a long story but this wasn't my fault and made no difference to the decision by the Insolvency Service either way the account had to be closed. I knew the account was going to be suspended this was around 3rd June so on the 5th June I called PIP and requested my bank account details to be changed to another bank, my next payment was due towards the end of June so had plenty of time for this to have been changed. The advisor seemed confident on the call and although I had the odd hesitation in her ability to change my bank details over, she confirmed verbally the account details had now been changed and my next payment would be made to my new bank account. Now I realised maybe I should have called back a week later to double check this had been completed, I've learnt a big lesson here.

I checked my mobile bill and it does confirm the number I called (PIP helpline), the time/date and length of call which i now have a copy off.

Due to human error or an issue with the computer the new bank account simply had not been changed by DWP.

Cut to point - No PIP payment went into my new account, I called the bank in which the account had been suspended to be told my PIP payment had been sent to my old account on 20th June. I'm absolutely gutted my money which should of been spent on my disability has gone into a suspended overdrawn account, which I will not ever have access to. I only realised this today (Saturday) thinking it was this weekend I was due the money, I've sent a complaint letter to the DWP Minister. my MP and DWP complaints.

I have also sent effectively a begging letter to the CEO of the bank in question to return the payment to DWP or allow me to have the funds, outlining what this money is for in regards to my disability.

Can somebody with some legal knowledge give me some advice especially if the DWP will accept responsibility and re-pay me the money or do you think the bank will return the funds even though the account is overdrawn and suspended.

I've been crying all day, I really cannot deal with this right now I'm well and truly gutted.

Hopefully the call will be recorded when I called PIP as evidence.

Thanks for any advice.

Ames

I think you'd be better off asking on the Bankruptcy board, they'll have more experience.

LoveLifeAgain

My first pension payment did exactly that. I rang the OR and he said to tell the bank to pay into my new account and I sent a letter (to be signed for) to the bank with my new account details telling them that the OR had said this must be done and it went in with no problems.


They are not entitled to it according to my OR


Good luck