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Where can I ask questions about DWP process not covered by this forum please?

  • Steve
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2 days 4 hours ago #312288 by Steve
Hi,

As per subject. Is there anywhere I can questions about DWP process not covered by your forum please?
I joined Benefits and Work because I am energy limited & housebound and don't have anyone to help me.
I am able to use a laptop for around 30 minutes a day and I can be on the phone for about the same.
I'm applying for PIP and having completed parts of some of your courses I feel a little more confident about PIP1 and PIP2 forms, but there are parts of the initial process with DWP where I can't get answers or the information given to me by DWP is incorrect and has led to further hours on phone calls that have led me no further forward, and I anticipate must already have been encountered by many of your members.
If there was an area, I would ask your members:

1) How those who are housebound have managed to arrange "reasonable adjustments" so they can limit time spent on calls? For me this is the total time spent on calls waiting, not just when I start to have a conversation.

2) How they have managed with the "Identity" part of the process, which I'm told means my application cannot be processed. DWP suggested that I visit a local Jobcentre to show my documents in person, but I don't think I'll have the capacity to do that.

My capacity is so limited. I assume that your moderators didn't respond to my first question as supporting housebound claimants is out of scope of the forum’s intention, but I would really rather you had confirmed that, if it's the case.

Many thanks in advance,

Steve.

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2 days 1 hour ago #312292 by David
Hi Steve

Have a read of the document below regarding Advanced Customer Support and if you wish to go ahead send a UC Journal Message to your UC Case Manager by selecting recipient A Payment and stating your vulnerability.
( Assuming you get UC, if not let me know )
www.gov.uk/government/publications/deliv...tional-support-needs

David

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  • Steve
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1 hour 38 minutes ago #312359 by Steve
Thank you so much for coming back to me David.

No, I don't receive UC or any other benefits and haven't made any prior benefit claims. My only claim will be PIP for now. I've been theoretically entitled to it for the past two years (the estimated amount that I could claim is being been deducted from my current income) but have been two unwell to face the process.
It has become more demanding now as I am approaching state pension age and was reminded by a friend that if I didn't claim for PIP soon, I would be ineligible in future.

On identity - DWP do know of me, as they flagged me for an incorrect answer to the question "do you already receive any benefits". I said that I didn't and they said that's not what they have on the system so they would have to proceed on the basis that my ID needed verifying. I've been asked to send 4 paper documents including my passport, which is very difficult as I have gone paperless on all utilities and bank statements.

On reasonable adjustments - I heard that people could maybe engage via email under some circumstances, or have call durations shortened. I have severe ME, so a 15-30 minute phone call can leave me unable to do anything else for over a week depending on the nature of the call. A face to face visit would be even worse, but from reading other responses on here, I don't think they understand how much impact a condition can create. I don't have anyone who can engage on my behalf either.

I'm already quite inclined to give up, as even the initial application has been too much, and I'm worried that the process could affect my health severity permanently.

Thanks, Steve.

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1 hour 5 minutes ago #312362 by David
Hi Steve

You can request a Home Visit from the DWP. If that is not acceptable you may have to contact your local Social Services to see if you can get the assistance of a Support Worker to help you claim PIP. If you rent from a Social Landlord/Housing Association they often have Financial Inclusion officers to take up such issues.

Let me know how you get on.
David

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