Appealing social welfare decision

Eod100

Hi there,

I applied for Jobseeker's Allowance back in May. Yesterday, I received a letter saying my claim was rejected.

According to the letter I can appeal this decision if I wish. It says I must appeal ''within 21 days of the date of the letter, that is, before 18 October 2012.''

The letter is dated 26 September 2012.

The envelope had a stamp dated last Friday (10th October).

I'm just wondering is this standard procedure?

Seems very unfair and a bit underhand to give so little notice. I think 3 weeks from the day the letter was actually sent would be fairer.

Tombi!

I've had to bring letters back over a week late since they were dated about two or three days before the return date; just go down ASAP and explain.

d9oiu2wk07blr5

Eod100 wrote: »

Hi there,

I applied for Jobseeker's Allowance back in May. Yesterday, I received a letter saying my claim was rejected.

According to the letter I can appeal this decision if I wish. It says I must appeal ''within 21 days of the date of the letter, that is, before 18 October 2012.''

The letter is dated 26 September 2012.

The envelope had a stamp dated last Friday (10th October).

I'm just wondering is this standard procedure?

Seems very unfair and a bit underhand to give so little notice. I think 3 weeks from the day the letter was actually sent would be fairer.

I would send a two liner letter in to the social welfare appeals office by email (requesting a delivery receipt) simply stating that you are appealing the decision of x date that was received on x date - explaining that due to its late arrival you will outline the grounds of the appeal in due course. I would also send a letter to the jobseekers section.

upinthesky

And be prepared for a very long wait. I appealed and won after lots of letter sending and an interview id say it was nearly a year before i got sorted.

Eod100

Thanks for the replies.

Not even sure if I'll appeal - I just think that the Department shouldn't be able to give such little notice. If it was an error on their part then that's understandable but if it's routine procedure to give such little notice then it's not fair in my opinion. Especially considering the fact that I was waiting since May to find out if my claim was successful or not!

I've complained to the social welfare office so will just have to wait and see what happens!

yabadabado

It makes no odds about the 21 days .They dont hold you to that,its just there so people dont pull the piss.It was just an error on their part and its not common practice.

Just send in your appeal as soon as you can,direct to the appeals office.

malene

lisar816 wrote: »

And be prepared for a very long wait. I appealed and won after lots of letter sending and an interview id say it was nearly a year before i got sorted.

and was it backdated the year?

malene

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

I've had to bring letters back over a week late since they were dated about two or three days before the return date; just go down ASAP and explain.

at least u got a letter, they closed my cklaim without informing me on 3 occasions. :mad:

upinthesky

malene wrote: »

and was it backdated the year?

yes it was should have said