Info on Admin Pens: http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides/problems-with-benefits/how-to-handle-an-interview-under-caution/after-the-interview-under-caution-html,661,FP.html Lin

If you want to complain, then do it properly - letter, stamp, post: https://www.gov.uk/complain-jobcentre-plus Arguing with advisors is a no win situation!

I have no view on this, but I am disabled., do some advocacy, and used to work for the DWP, so a broad range.... If i am reading it right, disregarding the kids with no difficulties, you have one disabled child over the weekend only, and together with a partner, have another child, who you are hoping to claim DLA for. In my experience, none of this would be enough to make them change their programme set out for you. This government, for it's own reasons, has decided it will go a certain way - and, despite many legal challenges, continues to do do. DWP staff are compelled to follow the rules, and that is the way it is. If you feel you have been sanctioned, unfairly, then the only way to proceed us by an appeal for MR, and then full appeal, if that's rejected, and, if you feel staff are unreasonable, an official complaint.

Of course some adults are vulnerable, and not all are disabled. Many disabled are not especially vulnerable. However, there are too many 'blanket statements' like 'vulnerable people such as elderly and disabled' - not all of us are, and not all of want to be thought of as such lol Of course, anyone vulnerable, whatever the cause, should seek support, with dealing eith agencies, from either an advocacy service, welfare rights, social services, voluntary groups, or the CAB.

Yep, my view with the medical checks element is to prepare - get reports from consultants, GP's, health care professionals, and attach your own statement, to the forms, giving full details of how your disability affects you. The more (proven) detail you provide, the better. Same as means tested benefits - supply ALL applicable financial details, accurately give details of your household, and who lives there, and don't work for non declared income. Do not try to hide bank accounts, because they do (always!) come to light now, with the links between banks, HMRC, and the DWP. Credit reference agencies now give info to the DWP, as do credit card companies. Don't run around telling neighbours how much you get (one malicious phone call can cause no end of hassle!) It's simple really - claim truthfully, and nothing can ever be proven against you.

I agree - nothing looks more suspicious, and nothing is more likely to cause further checking, than someone appearing to be trying to hide something!

I would just show them the statements, because, to be honest, they already have access to credit agency reports, phone companies, credit card companies etc.,, so you will have left a 'trail' anyway, if they ever choose to check (usually only with suspected fraud). For an initial claim, all they are interested in is that your bank accounts make financial sense, for claiming means tested benefits, and that you provide details of ALL accounts, and are not hiding any. They don't care how much the Tesco bill is, provided it, and all other monies out, ties up with what you say you have coming in.

This is an interesting thread - a lot of scaremongering and hostility! I come at this as an ex DWP worker (including compliance visits!) some years ago, and now as someone disabled, living with my disabled pensioner husband, so can see all sides here, It is true, as a previous poster pointed out, home visits are actually less common than they used to be, simply because the DWP now have access to many things, such as bank accounts, tax records, credit agencies etc., Compliance is, obviously, to check the validity of a claim, but, on some occasions, it has also helped those who gave been under claiming, and they have ended up better off. We don't claim means tested benefits, so, no compliance visits, just the DLA and ESA medical checks, which are fair enough (and which, to be fair, have been hassle free). We don't have to subject ourselves to submitting medical evidence, as we can just stop claiming. We choose to claim our entitlements, as we paid in, so we have to accept the checks! As a taxpayer, I am more than happy for the DWP to check up on those claiming, because it is just not fair on the rest of us, when people sca* the system. It's also voluntary - no one is forced to claim public money! I am also a bit weary of disabled people constantly being referred to, patronisingly, as 'vulnerable' and therefore, somehow incapable of dealing with a claim. We are not all sitting whimpering behind the front door, dreading the brown envelopes, phone calls, or doorbell! Being in a wheelchair buggars your limbs up, but not necessarily the rest! I do, of course, understand, that many people have been treated badly by both this lousy government and a few lairy DWP workers, but there are complaints procedures, which should be used, and that situation should not mean we just throw public money around with inadequate checks. It is much less hassle just to show the DWP official your paperwork, because nothing to hide, nothing to fear. If you don't want them in your home, fir whatever reason, (and they just turn up normally dressed, in normal cars, not as storm troopers!) then make an office appointment. However, if you fail to keep the appointment, they can and will stop paying the benefits.

http://www.stepchange.org/Debtinformationandadvice/Whatyourcreditorscando/Debtcollectionagencies.aspx Lin

The DWP can, and are starting to recover debts from many years ago. Government debts are not time barred in the way that 'normal' debts are. They cannot go through the courts, after 6 years for a CCJ or anything, but they can and are recovering amounts from ANY other benefit, received at any point now or in the future. I would get some advice from the CAB, who should be able to advise you - this scenario has taken a lot of people by surprise. Lin

Quite honestly, for a family your size, I don't find your shopping costs, excessive, if you are feeding them FRESH good quality meat, fish, fruit and veg. I know it can be done cheaper buying foreign frozen rubbish from the two or three 'cheapie ' outlets, but, to be serious, I wouldn't feed what they sell to the cat, let alone my family! I spend a lot on shopping for just the two of us, but I don't want to eat sub standard rubbish, from God knows where. Your best bet is to get some advice about what you need to be claiming, and if you need debt advice, then contact the CAB or Stepchange. Lin

If you are trying to claim DHP, because of the bedroom tax, you might be better going for exemption from it, as you have a disabled child, recieving DLA. It is non means tested, and will save applying for DHP's, if they decide you are eligible: This site has details of this, and other benefit issues, for carers: http://www.cafamily.org.uk/news-and-media/important-advice-for-families-on-bedroom-tax/ Lin

Some people on DLA/PIP can get exemption from the cap, and premiums on means tested benefits, but feeling anxious, because you have lost your job, won't fit the bill! At the moment, certain media sources have printed lurid headlines about 'it's so easy it is to pretend to be ill and get money thrown at you" - unhappily, it ain't working that way! However, the fact it is not true doesn't stop mates etc., from passing on this myth lol The facts about exemptions: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/benefits_w/benefits_the_benefit_cap_e/benefits_the_benefit_cap_and_housing_benefit_e/the_benefit_cap_and_housing_benefit_who_is_exempt.htm. (Ignore the Wales link, it works the same all over the UK) Lin

Just to clarify that it has been established that this report was wrong/hoax, and information in it was incorrect. The only changes to PIP are in the official release, on a May 27th, which merely confirms that there are to be more 'paper assessments' and less face-to-face ones (assuming a lot of claimant supplied evidence), of physical and proven conditions that will not improve, given current medical treatments (those such as MS type thing) This is to try and clear some of the backlog, as the original plan to start mass DLA-PIP migrations from October 2015, now looks unlikely to happen that quickly. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/315970/pip-assessment-guide-mw-020614.pd Lin

As an ex DWP worker, and now an ESA claimant, I can see it from both sides, I suppose. First of all, be warned, they CAN and do link to bank accounts, via the Inland Revenue etc.,., - they no longer need suspicion or good reason etc., and, they can (if they choose to) access ANY accounts. Do not try to hide savings, as the Revenue link brings them up. The rules changed some time back. This is why so many people get caught through their savings accounts they haven't declared. As for reporting, well, no, I wouldn't (personally) because it's nothing to do with me, and unless it was any crime involving kids, I wouldn't get involved. However, benefit fraud is illegal, and it cannot be justified by the old 'oh, yeah,, but x is also doing y, so it's ok if I fiddle the benefit system'. Bank robbers do not make shoplifting right, and politicians sc*mming do not make benefit fraud right. However, anonymous reports tend to be treated with more wariness than 'reporters' giving their details, simply because not every allegation can be investigated, and there are so many hoax anon reports. It's a matter of personal conscience. Lin

As you have stated, on another forum, that you have had nothing but trouble with your various coloured T-shirts, all proclaiming you are gay, and the fact that the JC think you should dress properly for interviews, with trousers and shirt, and as you have already been sanctioned for thinking that being gay means you can do as you like, might it not be an idea to just ignore your sexuality for a while (as the rest of us do) and just co-operate with the JC towards actually getting a job? They have told you that they really don't mind what your sexuality is, but they would just like you to look at getting a job, and forget the fact you are gay, for a while....... You are not the only gay in the village, and nobody cares, or is homophobic. Most job interviews involve conversations around skills and experience. I have never, not once, in many years, been asked what side I bat for, so forget the bedroom, and do the CV. lol Lin

You sound obsessed with parking, who is parking, how long they are parking and why they are parking! Normal living requires give and take from neighbours with all things, and as all these arguments haven't helped, in the past, might it not be an idea to just calm down a bit, loosen up and try to get on with people? Frankly, you sound a nightmare to live next door to, and all these disputes are what will affect you ever selling your house, simply because because all details have to be declared now, to any prospective buyer. And, no, I wouldn't think you have too much chance of winning your case, either....you don't drive and you have infrequent visitors anyway!

JSA advisors know the system, and they know they have to let you sign on, while MR is going on, so go back and ask to speak to a supervisor, or write/phone in a formal complaint (ask for the manager to respond). They have to take any illness/disability into account, with what they ask you to do, and if you cannot do something that is mandated, take a GP letter to them to support that. MR often only takes a couple of weeks to decide, so you can go back onto the assessment rate of ESA, assuming the MR fails, as soon as the appeal papers are lodged with the Tribunal Service.

Many people working receive DLA, as it's not a substitute for wages, and providing their stated condition is not contradicted by their job, it's not an issue. Income and savings are not an issue either, as DLA is non means tested. Unless someone has (say) claimed DLA for being unable to walk, look after themselves et .,and then they are seen as running round the block or something, it's not an issue. The only time compliance usually get themselves involved is if means tested benefits are involved, or if someone (say) is claiming ESA and working on the side. Or, if they (say) are claiming IR ESA and haven't told the truth about their household income etc., The DWP receive many malicious allegations against people, and provided you have been honest in all things, there is nothing to worry about. Take all your paperwork etc., be honest and it will be fine.

I agree with you, but when you have people waiting a year for an assessment for PIP, then ESA delays don't seem so bad! The problem, at the moment, is that every assessment is having to be independently audited, therefore doubling the time. There is also a huge backlog, adding to the chaos. By suspending routine reviews due after January, they are hoping to clear it at some point. When this will happen is unknown.... I am not defending them at all, and being disabled myself, I do understand, and it is dreadful, as is a lot of what is going on, but you are getting paid, are losing nothing, and it is just a waiting game, I'm afraid. You can, of course, phone the benefit office that deals with your sickness benefit , asking where your review is at. But, if the forms are still with ATOS, there is little the DWP office can do.

The DWP have to do what the government tell them to do, as they have no flexibility to set their own agenda. Therefore, as the major decisions have been taken by the government, and as ATOS are submitting so many disputed reports, the blame lies there. I do understand that you are frustrated, but you are (I assume) being paid at the full rate, as you were on IB, and others waiting are on the assessment rate, which is the same as basic JSA, so you are, at least, not suffering financially. The government are making noises, that, if they get re-elected, as a working majority government, in 2015, they will be 'looking at' removing any sickness benefits from those not actually residing in this country, due to (they say) difficulties in carrying out proper periodic medical assessments. If (and it's all a big if) this happens, then someone residing abroad will have a real problem! Anyway, hope you get a positive result soon.

Anyone that hasn't received an ESA50 for a review will probably not now get one, in the near future. Any "in the pipeline" will be progressed to decision stage. Normal reviews were suspended from January 20th, for up to two years, but under review by the DWP, but migrations, new claims, and any request, from the claimant, for a review are continuing, although there are huge delays in processing them.

Just to give information to anyone awaiting a migration from IB to ESA, or an ESA review, there is a huge backlog, at the moment, and many of these are taking ages to resolve. There is chaos with ATOS, all decisions are having to be independently audited, to try and cut the appeals, and many ESA reviews have been suspended for up to two years. As anyone on ESA or IB is actually getting paid, while they wait, new claims are obviously being put to the front of the queue. PIP claims are adding to the chaos, and people are seriously waiting many months for any sort of decision. The DWP (for once) aren't actually the cause of the mess here. The blame lays squarely with Iain Duncan Smith, ATOS and Capita. I don't see the point of this thread, to be honest, but if the OP searches the net, there is plenty of information about the current state of play, and many, many people are in the same boat as him.

I had to sort out my mum, while my younger brother stood on the sidelines whinging. I claimed AA for her Dementia, arranged other benefits, and was happy to do so - mum and dad had paid in throughout their life. Claim what you can that will help - Dementia is progressive, and all help is vital.

I used to work for compliance at the DWP, some years ago, and all savings over £6k (or whatever the current threshold is) HAVE to be declared, whatever they are. Any means tested benefit is paid based on any other income and savings, and now they have realised you are over the savings threshold, you really need to co-operate with them. DWP means tested benefits, some Tax Credits and housing benefit are affected. As it is, your benefits are likely to be reduced, you may have a large overpayment to be repaid, and they can (if they choose) prosecute for making a fraudulent claim (as they see it). At the start of a means tested claim, if you have any savings over £6k, you are expected to live off part of it, and not spend it on anything other than 'essentials', or you may come under the Deprivation of Assets' rule, and may have to pay back some of what you have been paid, by the DWP. Contributory benefits are usually unaffected by savings, but means tested benefits are for those that are 'poor', not for those with over £6k sitting in the bank. This has been the case for as long as I remember, they have the law on their side, and your best way forward is to produce all the paperwork they ask for, and plead an honest mistake. You can choose to sign off, but you will still have to repay any overpayment.