Will DWP write rather than by phone if I ask?

I have received the dreaded letter informing me that I am to be assessed for ESA (I am presently on Incapacity Benefit). It goes on to say that it will telephone me about this change and answer any questions that I may have.

In your guide to mental health, you state that we should not
give our telephone number in the ESA50 but state that we are to be written to if we are anxious about answering the telephone. I am presently beside myself with worry and though I could physically speak to someone, I would be so distressed that I would forget to ask to whom I am speaking, their job title and what questions I need to ask. I would simply listen to what they have to say. A friend has offered me an MP3 player to record any converations. Would I need to tell the person that I am recording them?

When the person calls (they have stated my telephone number in the letter), I would like to say that I cannot speak to them and to ask them to e-mail me. What experience do you have that the DWP will actually comply and either write to me or e-mail me or will they just ignore it?

Many thanks.

DWP do have a history of ignoring requests to communicate in writing - but it is still worth making the request.

I think you are allowed to record a conversation in which you are involved.

To the best of my knowledge, DWP do not communicate with claimants via email.

I was called by the JC during my migration "journey" I simply said I would rather not discuss anything on the phone as my health condition made it difficult to take in and retain information. The guy was very nice about and i suffered no adverse effects re transfer of benefit.
Good luck

Gordon wrote:

We need to be careful when advising members not to take calls from the DWP, there are times when it could be to your advantage to do so, and if required to, you should always contact the DWP, although this does not have to be by phone.

It is unwise to discuss any matter relating to benefit entitlement with the DWP by telephone. The reason behind this is because there is a possibility that the 'phone call will not be recorded, and anything discussed could be open to dispute. In fact, as a former DSS (now DWP) employee we were told never to conduct benefit enquiries with claimants by telephone, and were compelled to obtain any information sought only in writing.

I am aware that the DWP increasingly use the telephone as a means of communication, but claimants are not obliged to speak to the DWP should they choose not to do so. The most effective way to prevent the DWP conducting their enquiries by telephone is not to divulge a telephone number. This will ensure that contact will always be made in writing.

Thanks for your postings. I had my call today. I was taken by surprise and did not have the recorder ready. She just said that I would receive my questionnaire shortly. I said repeatedly that I was too anxious and distressed to speak by telephone and she said that she would send an e-mail to ask that I be written to. I will wait and see what happens.