× Members

PIP Overpayment- should this be wirtten off?

More
6 years 2 months ago #204886 by Headley
I wonder if you can advise me as I don’t seem to be getting anywhere with the DWP.

I was recently 'transferred' from DLA to PIP. I wrote on the claim form in large letters twice (and under every mobility question) that I did not wish to claim for, or be awarded the mobility component of PIP even if on paper I would qualify for it – I just wished to make a claim for the Daily Living Component. At the Medical I again emphasised to the assessor that I didn’t wish to claim the mobility component. Despite my request they have awarded me enhanced rate PIP for both components!

The award letter showed the award of both components, with an odd amount payable. I took this to be due to the changeover from DLA to PIP (My previous DLA letters also showed both components as being in payment when I was actually only paid one component – care – thus the amounts I was paid were always wrong according to the actual letter but correct in the amount of DLA I was actually paid. Hence, I was unsure whether the mobility component had been paid or not, but I thought it may have been, due to the odd amount paid.

Anyway, I wrote to the PIP Department at Wolverhampton (by Special Delivery so I have it tracked) in December explaining the possible overpayment to them and requesting they cease paying me the mobility component of PIP. The letter was signed for on the 17th December.

I have just checked my bank account and my PIP has gone in this morning for the first complete 4 weekly payment. The amount paid into my bank is £564.40. I take this is 4 x weeks Enhanced Mobility and 4 weeks Enhanced Daily Living!

I have put aside £232.00 (the enhanced mobility amount) in case they ask for it back. However, I do feel that, as it was explained on the PIP application forms that I did not wish to claim the Mobility Component, and I wrote to them in December explaining this again, yet they have still paid me, are we falling into ‘Official Error’ territory here? Thus, should the overpayment should be written off?

Basically, have I done enough to tell them of their error or do I have to write to them yet again?

Of course, this is all down to the fact there was a ‘ticky box’ in the old DLA claim forms that the DWP totally forgot to put in the PIP application forms to prevent this situation happening in the first place.

Many Thanks.

H

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 2 months ago #204903 by Gordon
Headley

You need to write to the DWP office dealing with your claim, this is an administrative issue and none of the DWP staff who deal with this would have had sight of your form.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 2 months ago #204906 by Headley
Replied by Headley on topic PIP Overpayment- should this be wirtten off?

Gordon wrote: Headley

You need to write to the DWP office dealing with your claim, this is an administrative issue and none of the DWP staff who deal with this would have had sight of your form.

Gordon


Hello,

I don't exactly know which office is dealing with the PIP claim. I thought it was all central?

I have sent everything to the PIP 9, Post Handling Site B Wolverhampton WV99 1AG which I understand is their central 'mail handling' centre? It is the only address I have for PIP which has been on the top of all letters I have received.

I tried ringing the 0345 850 3322 number twice, but both times they said to write in to the above address, which I did in December. I have just telephoned them again and again got told to write in, which I am now loathe to do as it costs six pounds something to send by Special Delivery.

I know I have shares in the Royal Mail, but I have no wish to boost their profits writing continually to the DWP!

Thanks

H

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 2 months ago #204918 by Gordon
Headley

All DWP mail goes to Wolverhampton and is then forwarded to the correct office.

If you have already written then tell them this when you phone and ask for confirmation that the letter has been received.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 2 months ago #204933 by Headley
Replied by Headley on topic PIP Overpayment- should this be wirtten off?
Thank you Gordon,

I have just contacted the PIP helpline yet again and this is getting even sillier now
.
In the lucky dip of DWP staff one gets to speak to, this one must have been the booby prize.

They cannot tell me where or not they have received my letter, although my previous phone calls have been logged (Fortunately, I have both the Certificate of Posting Special Delivery and the 'Signed For' receipt, showing receipt of my letter at Wolverhampton last month).

I went through it all again, explaining I was being overpaid, and would they kindly stop wasting tax payer’s money by over-paying me.

The gentleman then said if I wasn’t happy with my award, I could ask for a mandatory reconsideration! I had to point out to him that technically I was out of time for asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration, as I was informed of their decision over a month ago!

I again tried to explain I was being overpaid but it seemed to go right over his head. Don’t these people get training on the benefits they are meant to administer? Are they not meant to be the guardians of the public purse? (He couldn't answer these!).

I am truly at a loss now.

H

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 2 months ago #204957 by Gordon
Headley

I think you need to understand that this is a very unusual situation, I have only seen it once in over six years as a moderator, so it is not entirely surprising that you are having problems getting the DWP to understand!

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.