unannounced visit from DLA REP

mediaman

My wife (49yrs) received an unannounced visit from Social Services (2 weeks ago9:45am) to review her DLA.
Is this the norm now? She always got help from citizens advice in filling in the forms but this lady who arrived filled them in there and then.

Today day she got a phone call from DLA office in Belfast asking about her knee replacement in 2006. Again is this normal procedure now or harassment?
The consultant recognises that she has less mobility than before and now uses crutches, previous to the surgery she could manage with a walking stick. She has other problems that effect her mobility and general. health including fibromyalgia

dmg24

Whilst I would not say it is commonplace, they do random spot checks. It does not mean there is anything wrong, it is just part of their audit process.

Why would you suggest that a phonecall requesting further information is harassment? Most people would be happy that they were checking information rather than just assuming incorrectly!

Conor_3

Personally I think there should be more of these random checks. People like your missus would be seen to be properly in need and !!!!less scroungers would be caught out as they're washing the car...

[Deleted User]

mediaman wrote: »

My wife (49yrs) received an unannounced visit from Social Services (2 weeks ago9:45am) to review her DLA.
Is this the norm now? She always got help from citizens advice in filling in the forms but this lady who arrived filled them in there and then.

Today day she got a phone call from DLA office in Belfast asking about her knee replacement in 2006. Again is this normal procedure now or harassment?
The consultant recognises that she has less mobility than before and now uses crutches, previous to the surgery she could manage with a walking stick. She has other problems that effect her mobility and general. health including fibromyalgia

i`m confused why would social services? do this,its nothing to do with them,i have never known the DLA do anything other than send the forms in the post,when does her previous claim expire?

mouseymousey99

less scroungers would be caught out as they're washing the car...
what the heck has washing the car to do with it?

Loopy_Girl

mouseymousey99 wrote: »

less scroungers would be caught out as they're washing the car...
what the heck has washing the car to do with it?

Because they claim they can't walk 10 yards without assistance, claim all the benefits and then - like Conor says - are out washing the car (or whatever). Meanwhile decent people who deserve the benefit have to do appeal after appeal just to get the money.

DLA is one of the most abused benefits in my opinion - bring on the changes in October I say.

Loopy_Girl

mouseymousey99 wrote: »

Ah I think I understand, congratulations on the medical degree Loopy that should help when you are applying for CSA etc etc. Ah ,just incase - you have the criteria totally wrong - I suspect some green eyes re Motability cars?? YAWN - once again - you have to have DLA at the highest rate - ie you have already been seen by about 3 doctors - (probably including yourself?) then you have to give up your DLA to fund it....oh what is the crieteria for 'Decent people' do tell, oh don't bother - I fell asleep : )

err what has CSA got to do with anything??

I wasn't about me...I was actually talking about my father who, since you have read through all my other posts (whatever..) you will know all about. He has his motability car and gets higher rate....had to fight tooth and nail for it though but by god he deserves it.

Me? I work full time sweetheart to support my family and drive about in a brand new car which I own. Don't be so [EMAIL="bl@@dy"]bl@@dy[/EMAIL] judgemental until you know the full facts. It's people that milk the system that make people like the OP's wife difficult to get the benefit.

mouseymousey99

Hi - I was about to post a long e mail explaining the process - the criteria re DLA etc etc, but I suspect thats not what you want to hear - so I'm off to bed - goodnight.

dmg24

Can we go back to the OP's question please?

Loopy_Girl

I know the process as I supported my father throughout it, and through 3 appeals. That was after sitting at his beside with my Mum in Intensive Care after he had a massive life saving operation.

Wind your neck in and take some Rescue Remedy before bed

Loopy_Girl

dmg24 wrote: »

Can we go back to the OP's question please?

Very true...but then I'm not about to sit and watch some person be all brave behing a PC when they have no idea of a situation.

I agree that it isn't Social Services who contact about DLA claims...maybe OP could clarify?