Local services compliance telephone interview

Hi Gordon

Today I have received a letter from DWP notifying me of a local service compliance telephone interview to take place on 7 July between 12.30 and 1pm.

I think I have an idea as to what this might be about – In March this year I received a letter from jobcentreplus regarding my claim for ESA concerning my Occupational Pension. The letter said they need to look at the money I get from my occupational pension because it might affect the amount of allowance I get.

This letter alludes to the fact I had told them my occupational pension was X amount of money. The letter went on to say that according to their records the amount I get from my occupational pension is due to increase.

Then the letter asked me to supply the new details within 2 weeks. I contacted my pension provider and asked what the increase was % wise because I hadn’t, at that time, been advised. I then contacted jobcentreplus on 16/03/17 and advised them the increase was 1% from 01/05/17.

I also advised them that I receive ESA benefit because I receive DLA high rate care component and prior to ESA I was in receipt of incapacity benefit and therefore I am exempt from the £85 rule as it was then.

I have a document dated 29/04/09 from incapacity benefit where it says in relation to pension income: “The pension income rules do not apply if you get the DLA care component at the highest rate”.

When I was migrated to ESA the ESA benefit was paid because of this rule which they told me would be carried over.

I cannot think of any other reason why this telephone interview has been scheduled but I am deeply stressed about it. I tried to ring the author of the letter today but he’s not back in the office until Monday so from now to the 7th July I have a whole 2 weeks of worry.

If this interview is in relation to the above, can you foresee a problem and can you offer me any advice please?

Many thanks

Thanks Gordon,

I've just spent 30 minutes on hold to DWP trying to find out what's going on. The lady I spoke to said because it was a phone interview it would most likely to be a check to see I am receiving correct benefits!? She tried to put my mind at ease and told me not to worry - easier said than done!

I do think it has something to do with occupational pension but am comforted by the fact I have the relevant documentation to prove the disregard.

The letter is worded in such as way it makes you feel like you've done something wrong which is very unsettling.

Thanks again.

Hi Gordon

Re my original post, I have spoken to a Local Service Compliance Officer who has told me they have received an anonymous call from someone where caller asked whether I should still be entitled to ESA.

Apparently, the officer cannot discuss this with me fully until the telephone interview in a few weeks time.

Obviously, someone has it in for me and it is malicious. I have no idea who could be behind this because I keep myself to myself and no one knows my situation regarding benefit or so I thought!

I am worried sick and don't know what to do. Can you suggest what I can or should do please? For example, would it be worth me copying and sending all my recent medical evidence to the officer concerned in advance of this telephone interview?

Thank you

Thank you. Please forgive me because I've posted twice as I thought the afternoon session was over and my post had not made it. Sorry for any inconvenience.