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UC Help please

In a right situation with Universal Credit.

Originally claimed ESA after redunadancy & having an op (waited from Apr 17 to Jun 17 before making claim due to having funds)
Jun 17 applied and awarded ESA
Jul 17 (start) told I was now fit for work (such a relief) & stopped ESA
Jul 17 (mid) 2wk hol pre-booked back in 2016 so did not claim anything as being out of country)
Jul 17 (end) Applied for UC & awarded it - Met Work coach at Jobcentre I used to attend 7+yrs ago
Nov 17 months work taken, ended and back to UC no problems as still in 6mth time frame.

12 Feb 18 (2nd week of) and this is where it all went wrong...........
I started work, and expected this to be a full-time Perm role 40hrs+ as it was sold to me in the interview. This was fine and I accepted. I informed the helpline whom again stated the claim would be open 6mths..

After I managed to streamline the department and clear a 3mth backlog - the company, wanted me to carryout fraudulent transactions - I highlighted this and they told me "its the way we've always done it so, either do it or give your notice" -- So I gave my notice on 22nd March.

I expected them to pay me on 23rd but no funds were received and I rang to be told that I was being held to a clause in my contract about leaving prior to my 1mths notice period - despite them originally stating it was all ok for me to go (verbally).

I thought sod it, not going to win here, and rang UC (Same day) to tell them employment had ended. To which they stated my UC claim had now been closed.
I could not understand why - and the chap spent ages trying to find out for me (55mins convo) but efficiently claim had closed and I would need to reclaim and speak to an adviser about it and the appointment was scheduled for 4th April.

26th March I received a payslip dated 31/03/18. And Informed the helpline whom said as the systems are linked to HMRC there was no need to worry.
29th March the funds went into my bank, and pre-paid Loan, Car Finance, Cards, phone & internet - so I had a breathing space as I knew that UC wouldnt even cover it.

4th April I goto the Previous jobcenter I had attended, they were more than happy & supportive of the reasons why I left (something I was originally worried about) BUT they could not sign me onto UC as I am at the wrong JC due to my postcode - no mention of wage received - and re-arranged appointment for 16th Apr. A complaint was raised as to why my account was closed.

16th April went through validation at the new JobCentre.
17th April UC Journal entry Still looking into complaint on the 4th.
20th April Manager from new JC rang and said she has resolved my complaint and my account was closed due to being originally on Full Service but I should have been on Live service (?) that was all she could tell me..
23rd Met Work Coach & completed Commitments - told first payment will be in account by 8pm 29th & showed him I had an interview 50mile away at a well known company on 30th.
26th Email to complete commitments (again) logged in accepted - payment now to go in 2nd may.
I contacted the helpline and they said nothing they could do as it appears I have been zeroed. which meant No funds to attend interview.
Went to JC without an appointment (so frowned upon) and a very helpful person managed somehow managed to get me 25p in the mile so I could go to the interview.
However they stated the case manager would have to look into my claim and will give me an update by 10am 1st May.
1st May - no reply or update at 10am - went to JC again (12pm) without an appointment (G4 security standing overme) sat and waited for 30mins to be acknowledged - they then said ring the helpline.
55min call to helpline Im not going to receive anything till 2nd Hun as my claim says I'm working. they arranged a todo so I could upload P45 (last employ date 22.03, p45 date 31.03) also requested me to upload last 3wage slips & bank statements for last two months.
I have complied (redacted bank statements as spending is no concern of dwp) and this shows only income was the wages...
Was also told I would not be entitled to anyfurther help as I havent been on UC long enough - pointed out they closed claim due to Full/Live debacle - he went "Oh sorry" and rushed to get me off the line.
get home 3hrs later Journal updated by Case manager - "still being looked into" placed in journal that I've been asked to attend a job interview on 2nd May 30mile away, and have no funds to get there,,,, no response.
2nd May - I've missed out on Job Interview (I live with parents whom are on PIP but waiting a decision as they was originally awarded Full Mobility Allowance for life - they have no surplus funds until 4th May else I would have gone)

So there you go - sorry its long but I'm lost and do not know what to do.
I have no funds for attending any interviews, let alone if JC ever ask me to attend JC again.
I've jumped through every hoop but nothing is forthcoming.
No help from local council as do not meet requirements - no help from dwp/jc as they screwed up my length of claim time.
Any ideas??

Comments

  • huckster
    huckster Posts: 5,095 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Get in touch with your local MP's office and raise this as an urgent complaint. Ask them to intervene with DWP on your behalf.
    The comments I post are personal opinion. Always refer to official information sources before relying on internet forums. If you have a problem with any organisation, enter into their official complaints process at the earliest opportunity, as sometimes complaints have to be started within a certain time frame.
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