welfare mess up

mirror mirror

what happens when the means test officer is giiven all the correct paperwork by a claimant at their home visit and then means test officer gives the deciding officer totally incorrect figures and omits certain paperwork important to the claim, resulting in claimant being refused claim for j.a. i ring dole office and eventually get to speak with deciding officer ,who when asked about the claim is stunned to find out the difference in paperwork given to her and the correct information.should heads roll? have to start over again because of this fool.

Xiney

That's awful.

I would push for a quick in office interview to re evaluate your means - they shouldn't have to do a house visit this time since they've already ascertained your address.

Say that while you appreciate that mistakes will be made since everyone is human, you feel that it is only fair that you not be penalised for them and that you shouldn't have to wait the full time again. Tell them that you would appreciate it if the matter could be prioritized since you have already been waiting x amount of time.


If everything gets resolved quickly after that, great. No need to roll any heads, although it is annoying.

mirror mirror

thanks for reply,would getting pushy with them maybe delay things more?and with all the obvious mistakes this person made ,is she not accountable for this mess-up?why is everything threw back in my face?

Xiney

I don't think getting pushy is the answer in most cases when dealing with people.

If all else fails, then by all means. But I think people are more likely to go out of their way to help someone who is reasonable (but firm!) than otherwise.

mirror mirror

spoke to deciding officer today about claim [after 13 calls ].she understood mistakes were made by means test officer but was hesitant to lay the blame on her. she posting out appeal form for me to fill out. its not my fault so why is it down to me do this.my wife takes home 350 a week our only income .

aboutimeilogin!

can you not pick up the form, fill it in and drop it back? possibly
all in one day rather than rely on snailmailing. thankfully your wife is working. hope it works out soon for you as i waited 13 weeks!
not easy with wife and 3 kids.....

marti8

mirror mirror wrote: »

spoke to deciding officer today about claim [after 13 calls ].she understood mistakes were made by means test officer but was hesitant to lay the blame on her. she posting out appeal form for me to fill out. its not my fault so why is it down to me do this.my wife takes home 350 a week our only income .

Shouldn't you be entitled to SWA (Supplementary Welfare Aloowance) from your local CWO (Community Welfare Officer) whie you are waiting for a claim to be processed? I remember that's how it worked for me?! Unless they have changed the rules drastically.

mirror mirror

marti8 wrote: »

Shouldn't you be entitled to SWA (Supplementary Welfare Aloowance) from your local CWO (Community Welfare Officer) whie you are waiting for a claim to be processed? I remember that's how it worked for me?! Unless they have changed the rules drastically.

i went there and she told me ENTITLED to nothing :rolleyes:

marti8

mirror mirror wrote: »

i went there and she told me ENTITLED to nothing :rolleyes:

Really? I don't understand why not? Did you ask her why? Did she explain it to you? If not you should ask her and ask her if she could outline the rules in regard to this. Then I would ask for that in writing and appeal the decision with the appeals office. Citizens Info might be able to point you in the right direction.

I'd also phone your local dole office and ask them whether it is correct that you are not entitled to SWA while waiting for a dole payment.

If you really are not entitled to a dole payment that is worrying, it looks that in that situation you and your wife are actually better off to be unemployed. That way you get dole for a married couple approx, €360 p.w- currently. Rent Allownace, Medical Card etc etc. Best of luck with it.

mirror mirror

my wife income is 11 euros over the threshold

marti8

mirror mirror wrote: »

my wife income is 11 euros over the threshold

I was told before that there is flexibility if someone is only just over the threshold. you should appeal, definetly. Or you should ask your wifes employer if she could work one hour or so less per week, perhaps?

mirror mirror

my wife is classed as self employed-seems to be a crime nowadays