Sending documents in via recorded delivery

Mods please delete this if it's not relevant, helpful or has already been covered somewhere else

Not sure if this is helpful to anyone when sending stuff into DWP etc

I sent some paperwork to DWP at the end of last year and used recorded delivery so I had proof of when it arrived.

A week after the tracking info said it had been delivered (delivered/signed for the day after posting) I rang DWP and they had no trace of it on my file. It actually took 2 weeks for it to appear on my file/in the system!!

I queried the fact that I had a signature to say it had arrived on a certain date and was informed that recorded delivery mail is signed for and opened at a seperate 'mail centre' before being forwarded to the relevant department and often takes 2 weeks to get to the department. What concerns me is I got the impression that this 'mail centre' wasn't actually part of the DWP and my personal information was being viewed by a mail worker?

Amazingly the day after sending this recorded delivery envelope I also posted them an envelope via normal first class, this arrived the day after posting and also appeared on my file/the system the day it was received!

So although recorded delivery confirms they have received it, it appears that it may actually delay the paperwork getting into your file?

sue wrote: Mods please delete this if it's not relevant, helpful or has already been covered somewhere else

Not sure if this is helpful to anyone when sending stuff into DWP etc

I sent some paperwork to DWP at the end of last year and used recorded delivery so I had proof of when it arrived.

A week after the tracking info said it had been delivered (delivered/signed for the day after posting) I rang DWP and they had no trace of it on my file. It actually took 2 weeks for it to appear on my file/in the system!!

I queried the fact that I had a signature to say it had arrived on a certain date and was informed that recorded delivery mail is signed for and opened at a seperate 'mail centre' before being forwarded to the relevant department and often takes 2 weeks to get to the department. What concerns me is I got the impression that this 'mail centre' wasn't actually part of the DWP and my personal information was being viewed by a mail worker?

Amazingly the day after sending this recorded delivery envelope I also posted them an envelope via normal first class, this arrived the day after posting and also appeared on my file/the system the day it was received!

So although recorded delivery confirms they have received it, it appears that it may actually delay the paperwork getting into your file?

Hi s,

Yes, we are aware that they have mail distribution centres where Royal Mail workers open and distribute ESA50's.

This has been going on for some time. Apparently the Royal Mail workers in question have to abide by Data Protection laws, and sign the official secrets act.

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/dwp_and_atos_healthcare_use_of_r

The main thing is that your ESA50 is returned to the address provided by the deadline given.

Once you have done that and have proof of postage and delivery you have discharged your responsibility.

bro58

If you are sending documents to the DWP, then from my experience it's best to send them by Special Delivery, guaranteed to be delivered by noon the day after they they're been handed in to a local Post Office. This method can be tracked on the Royal Mail site and it even provides the name of the person who signed for it.

Special Delivery cannot be opened by Royal Mail staff. I have used this method with clients for many years without problems. Depending on the size and weight of the package, it can cost £6.00 to £8.00. However, bearing in mind what's at stake in my opinion it\'s well worth it.

Jim Allison wrote: If you are sending documents to the DWP, then from my experience it's best to send them by Special Delivery, guaranteed to be delivered by noon the day after they they're been handed in to a local Post Office. This method can be tracked on the Royal Mail site and it even provides the name of the person who signed for it.

Special Delivery cannot be opened by Royal Mail staff. I have used this method with clients for many years without problems. Depending on the size and weight of the package, it can cost £6.00 to £8.00. However, bearing in mind what's at stake in my opinion it\'s well worth it.

I always use special delivery however last time benefits office telephoned me to say they had just received my documents - the documents had been sent in and signed for two months previously!

That just goes to prove how unreliable the DWP's method of recording receipt of mail is.

You could raise this with the The Information Ombudsman.