Appointee

Peacewalk

Update

Hi guys,

UC cancelled the initial appointment of claim review when we requested to add appointee as a response to their questions previously asking if the claimant have appointee. But they said than both claimant and appointee have to attend the job centre. But as pointed out by respected elsien we needed to register LPA not confuse with appointee we called them and the Bog call handler said case manager will call us. But yesterday we received a message saying " you have to call the UC general line to book an appointment in the local job centre to register the LPA". Immediately after we got another message that for appointee registration both claimant and appointee have to attend an appointment on the 3rd and they booked an appointment. What is the best course of action to be taken now?

Thanks a million guys for all your help

elsien

Go to the appt and take the power of attorney to register? 

Peacewalk

elsien said:

Go to the appt and take the power of attorney to register? 

The claimant is suffering from a few major health issues and on mitazapine which makes her very drowsy throughout the day. She is absolutely loosing her head over this appointment as she is autistic and constantly suffers from anxiety and depression. Should it be okay if only the person with LPA goes?

elsien

I think there is no reason why they can’t do it over the phone and check the code and they can check that it’s valid without seeing the document  in person. 

Plus it sounds as if they have got two systems going with one side not knowing what the other side is doing.
I would reiterate on the system that the person is not able to leave the house; it then comes down to which you think is going to be less hassle, keeping making calls or turning up at the appointment and arguing the toss in person. 

Referencing the disability and reasonable adjustments may help. 

huckster

Advising not leaving the house will likely result in Job Centre referring for Home Visiting officer to attend the claimants address, where they will want to see ID documents of claimant and the person seeking to act on the claimant behalf in regard to the benefit as well as the LPA.

At the moment it is taking many weeks before a Home Visiting Officer is able to attend.  

With the reviews going on at the moment, this has led to a much more cautious approach being taken.

Peacewalk

elsien said:

I think there is no reason why they can’t do it over the phone and check the code and they can check that it’s valid without seeing the document  in person. 

Plus it sounds as if they have got two systems going with one side not knowing what the other side is doing.
I would reiterate on the system that the person is not able to leave the house; it then comes down to which you think is going to be less hassle, keeping making calls or turning up at the appointment and arguing the toss in person. 

Referencing the disability and reasonable adjustments may help. 

Is this a reasonable message to explain the situation that makes claimant unable to attend the appointment! Or any adjustments needed?
*As you are aware I suffer from various mental health issues and diabetes with social anxiety and autism as well as Learning disabilities. I am on regular medication for depression which keeps me drowsy throughout the day. Due to these reasons I can't stand meeting with people and attend appointments. I have got a power of attorney registered by the public office of guardian with reference in earlier message who deals with all the queries. The Public Office of Guardian advised that I only have to provide the online reference number to DWP and you will be able to register it by verification online. I therefore hope that you understand my situation and contact my POA for any of your queries.

Regards*

8dayweek

Peacewalk said:

elsien said:

I think there is no reason why they can’t do it over the phone and check the code and they can check that it’s valid without seeing the document  in person. 

Plus it sounds as if they have got two systems going with one side not knowing what the other side is doing.
I would reiterate on the system that the person is not able to leave the house; it then comes down to which you think is going to be less hassle, keeping making calls or turning up at the appointment and arguing the toss in person. 

Referencing the disability and reasonable adjustments may help. 

Is this a reasonable message to explain the situation that makes claimant unable to attend the appointment! Or any adjustments needed?
*As you are aware I suffer from various mental health issues and diabetes with social anxiety and autism as well as Learning disabilities. I am on regular medication for depression which keeps me drowsy throughout the day. Due to these reasons I can't stand meeting with people and attend appointments. I have got a power of attorney registered by the public office of guardian with reference in earlier message who deals with all the queries. The Public Office of Guardian advised that I only have to provide the online reference number to DWP and you will be able to register it by verification online. I therefore hope that you understand my situation and contact my POA for any of your queries.

Regards*

This is perfect - but ensure you include the code generated (it’s about 13 digits from memory) and the full name / contact number for your PoA. 

Spoonie_Turtle

I would change 'I can't stand' to something a bit more … formal, if that's the word?  'I am unable to' perhaps?

elsien

Not able to tolerate …….without it triggering a mental health crisis/(relevant other explanation). Do her  fit notes evidence this, as that could go in the message as well? 
Say Lasting power of attorney for finances
rather than just PoA as there are different sorts of power of attorney and you want to make it clear you have the correct one.
And (slightly picky) it’s the office of the public guardian - OPG.