rent allowance cut

marym2

Hi, I am hoping someone will have been/be in a similar situation to myself and be able to help me out on this one.
Single parent of 2 girls
maintenance of 30euro (2euro taken from the JTP)
jobseekers transition payment 247.60
rent is 550 per month

four years ago, I was receiving rent allowance in a different property and the rent was 600 a month. I was receiving rent allowance of 90euro per week and paying the rest out of the above figure, 6 months later received a letter from cwo to say that there had been an error in calculating the RA and it was being reduced to 68.50 per week, I tried to get an answer as to why an was told it was an error on their behalf, I didnt appeal it and left it go.

About 8 months later, I receive a letter saying that the state wanted their money back and If I didnt make some arrangement to pay it that my social welfare payment would be completely cut off, so I started paying 5euro a week, which I am still paying.

Fast forward to the present day, I have been in this rented accomodation for the past 17months, i was receiving 94.50 for the rent of 550 per month and paying the remainder out of my jobseekers. Struggling at that with 2 girls.

2 weeks ago, i received a letter from the intreo/cwo, saying that they were reviewing my rent allowance, and requested 6 month bank and credit union statements, and all the usual documents. No problem, I set about getting them. I received that on the 18th January, on the form it stated that I had 2 weeks to furnish all documentation.

On the 23rd January the rent allowance was cut off. I called to the office and was told that on computer it said I had applied for a transfer, I had not been near their office in over a year. They couldnt find my file and offered no explanation as to why it had been stopped. My circumstances had not changed and they did not even give me 2 days to get form together, let alone 2 weeks. I dont go looking for handouts, I am trying to look for work, but If you try to go working in this country, you come out worse off. I understand that this system is designed to keep the poor poor.

After I had dropped in the forms last week, I get a call saying they have cut my rent allowance by 35 euro and that they would be sending a letter soon as to how I am going to repay them for their "overpayment." No calculations, no reason, no change in circumstance, I feel the cwo has a personal grudge against me, I cant come up with any other explanation. Anyone ever experienced anything similar? Or is anyone willing to disclose how much they recieve If they are in a similar family set up and paying a similar amount so that we could compare figures and see if this is right or not?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

infogiver

Did you not think your Rent contribution of €32 per week was a bit low? You have income of €280?

Owryan

marym2 wrote: »

I understand that this system is designed to keep the poor poor.

Sorry for your troubles but the above line suggests you are not aware of the purpose of social welfare.

RossieMan

Four years without a job doesn't suggest you've been looking for work.

Anyway that's not the topic here, perhaps call in and sort it out face to face.

marym2

I pay 137.50 weekly on rent -94.50 = 43, so i was paying 43 euro in rent week,as it was. with the new calculation, and i just spotted I made an error, it was reduced to 60.50 a week, I am now being asked to pay 77 euro out of the JTA, guys I came on here looking for anyone in a similar situation, its very easy to sit behind a keyboard and judge me but you dont know my story, so please, If you don't have children and arent rearing them alone, keep your snide comments to yourselves.

IHeartShoes

Can you call into your local citizens information service and have them look into it? You certainly shouldn't be repaying an overpayment if it occurred as a result of an error on the part of the DSP.

marym2

thank you, yes I have been in, they told me to log everything and everyones name I spoke with, so i have been doing that. They werent able to give me any definate figures for how it is calculated. I can appeal the decision, which I am going to do, and I have contacted local councillors so I will be meeting them next week. If nothing comes of that I will be going to the ombudsman. I find it extremely bizarre and unfair that this is the second time this has happened, and I came on here hoping to hear If anyone has had a similar experience.

LegacyUser

I can't help with figures but have you looked into HAP in your area.

In most counties, it is up and running on a trial basis as it replaces Rent Allowance.

The County Council run HAP

Regards

Kristopherus

IHeartShoes wrote: »

Can you call into your local citizens information service and have them look into it? You certainly shouldn't be repaying an overpayment if it occurred as a result of an error on the part of the DSP.

Incorrect. DSP are obliged to recover overpayments, no matter how they arise.

Graces7

OP I feel for you. I was put in a similar situation by the UK when I changed from invalidity to old age pension. I am on Disability Living Allowance and had checked before leaving the UK that that would still be paid here.

Then I got a letter saying they had made an error and would be stopping 10 sterling from my pension every week.

I wrote letters higher up the ladder; I even wrote to Tony BLair! And it got sorted fast with an apology.

Currently trying again to sort Rent Allowance in this new county. Yet again they are trying to force me onto the housing list when the rule is EITHER housing list OR Six months private rental...

The first time that happened I was in Cork and it was only the kindness of a Welfare Complaints Officer that sorted it.

Each county has these. look it up? I am going to have to go that way too soon.

If you make a formal complaint they HAVE to sort it. I emailed mine.On that occasion they were on my doorstep early the next day.

I understand where you are coming from and it is very wrong that they are acting like this.

pm me if you need to?

maryk123

Appeal the decision straight away. It makes no sense having your rent constantly reduced without proper explanations as to why. Put everything that happened on the appeal naming who you were talking to etc. Appeals on rent don't take that long. Ask for full explanations of the overpayments also.

marym2

Graces7.....Yes i am going to take this as high as I can and contact every one who I think might be able to help. I should have included, that they were saying, that it is the 30 euro maintenance. Thats why they reduced it. But back in 2015, the DSP were taking 15 of that 30 and like you, i met a very kind CWO and she said that this was wrong and ended up allowing me to keep the maintenance of 28, while they took 2.

So, given that my circumstances havent changed one bit, and that they have always known about the maintenance as I always declared it, I am baffled as to why they have now changed it around completely.

What I dont understand is how this has happened TWICE, where the DSP are claiming they made an error in their calculations, surely for such a serious matter as spending the government money, there would be clear assessment rules to follow and clear amount guidelines accross the board.

Its almost like it's designed that way to heap more stress and pressure on people struggling, to get a letter sayng you owe money on an overpayment when you are already struggling with the payment as it is, getting punished for their error. Also I am so angry that the CWO cut off the rent allowance on the same day he sent the letter out. Anyway, I feel so discriminated against and I am not letting this go.

They had said they would send me out a letter outlining their decision, but the letter I received only states the fact that they are reducing the amount, and I will have to pay back what I owe them, it gives no calculation of figures. I will be requesting all of that now.

Graces7, It sounds like they make up their own rules along the way depending on how they are feeling, thanks for tip about welfare complaints officer, I hadn't known and that will be on my agenda now.

Gatling

So basically they didn't include your maintenance as means ,

neonsofa

marym2 wrote: »

Graces7.....Yes i am going to take this as high as I can and contact every one who I think might be able to help. I should have included, that they were saying, that it is the 30 euro maintenance. Thats why they reduced it. But back in 2015, the DSP were taking 15 of that 30 and like you, i met a very kind CWO and she said that this was wrong and ended up allowing me to keep the maintenance of 28, while they took 2.

So, given that my circumstances havent changed one bit, and that they have always known about the maintenance as I always declared it, I am baffled as to why they have now changed it around completely.

What I dont understand is how this has happened TWICE, where the DSP are claiming they made an error in their calculations, surely for such a serious matter as spending the government money, there would be clear assessment rules to follow and clear amount guidelines accross the board.

Its almost like it's designed that way to heap more stress and pressure on people struggling, to get a letter sayng you owe money on an overpayment when you are already struggling with the payment as it is, getting punished for their error. Also I am so angry that the CWO cut off the rent allowance on the same day he sent the letter out. Anyway, I feel so discriminated against and I am not letting this go.

They had said they would send me out a letter outlining their decision, but the letter I received only states the fact that they are reducing the amount, and I will have to pay back what I owe them, it gives no calculation of figures. I will be requesting all of that now.

Graces7, It sounds like they make up their own rules along the way depending on how they are feeling, thanks for tip about welfare complaints officer, I hadn't known and that will be on my agenda now.

Op I feel for you, I really do. But you need to get it out of your head that this is a personal vendetta against you, or that they are discriminating against you and trying to keep the poor poor. Unfortunately, you are just a number on their books. They have done the calculations (incorrect as they may be) and saw that they can claw back some money from you. That is it. It's unfortunate that it has happened twice but it really isn't about you per se, it's just the figures, they don't want to pay out more than they should and in your case they feel they have so want it back.

You said earlier that if people haven't been in your position parenting alone then they shouldn't comment, I've been where you are, trying to catch a break and feeling like the world is against me (nobody will hire me, the social welfare make it so difficult to take up work etc), I am now working and off social welfare completely and it's only looking back that I realise it was all in my head and I was just a number to all of them, it was nothing personal although it felt it at the time. Appeal with the facts but try not to view it as a personal battle, they are not out to get you so please don't take it personally. Hope it all works out for you and life gets easier for you and your girls.

marym2

Im glad you were able to turn it around, As you said yourself, we are just a number to them. That is the problem, with a click of a button they have the power to alter your circumstances, with no warning or reason, when at the end of the day we are human beings, and they have no consideration for that.

I was homeless in 2014 and let me tell you, there is indeed a lot of discrimination against people in that position. Sometimes, it is personal and these people are human beings at the end of the day so of course that is possible. Sometimes power corrupts, and these people have absolute power over how much I receive to raise my family.

I am sticking to the facts here, and the fact is I felt discriminated against and will be taking it further. Im wise enough to know from the previous comments, that were I to go into details about how I felt was discriminated against, it would most likely be mocked, turned around, twisted and knocked and its head.

I wont be wasting my time replying to any comments designed for me to rise to the bait of getting into a dispute with people who obviously couldnt give a damn about my situation, and have zero compassion for me and my children. people who look for an argument and get a kick out of it. As I said, I came on here looking for help, not a lecture, not an argument, help.

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

Im glad you were able to turn it around, As you said yourself, we are just a number to them. That is the problem, with a click of a button they have the power to alter your circumstances, with no warning or reason, when at the end of the day we are human beings, and they have no consideration for that.

I was homeless in 2014 and let me tell you, there is indeed a lot of discrimination against people in that position. Sometimes, it is personal and these people are human beings at the end of the day so of course that is possible. Sometimes power corrupts, and these people have absolute power over how much I receive to raise my family.

I am sticking to the facts here, and the fact is I felt discriminated against and will be taking it further. Im wise enough to know from the previous comments, that were I to go into details about how I felt was discriminated against, it would most likely be mocked, turned around, twisted and knocked and its head.

I wont be wasting my time replying to any comments designed for me to rise to the bait of getting into a dispute with people who obviously couldnt give a damn about my situation, and have zero compassion for me and my children. people who look for an argument and get a kick out of it. As I said, I came on here looking for help, not a lecture, not an argument, help.

To them, it is a machine. To us, our home and our life. I stopped thinking in terms of discrimination years ago.

The welfare officer who talked to me at that craft fair was an angel! she hunkered down my my chair and asked if I was getting all I was entitled to. I said yes and that I had been told that I could not get my small UK pension topped up or get the living alone allowance. In fact as she told me, that was incorrect; I never asked why, simply applied and got it.

The Rent Allowance situation is the same thing, except that when they are challenged over the "or six months renting privately " rule, they back down.

The branch office I was with for four years even tried it on on the last rent allowance review last autumn. Demanded a letter that proved I had been assessed for housing need by the council. I simply replied quoting the rules and no more was said.

So on Friday I gave the local office the name and number of the previous inspector . Let them sort it out.

Hate it; and dreading the next round of emails!

But if they persist I will make a formal complaint as that angel also advised.

Stay strong.

marym2

I wish you all the best with it and hope you get it sorted, Im feeling a bit more hopeful that it will all work out eventually. Thanks

Balagan

Calculating Rent Supplement

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/calculating_rent_supplement.html

IHeartShoes

Kristopherus wrote: »

IHeartShoes wrote: »

Can you call into your local citizens information service and have them look into it? You certainly shouldn't be repaying an overpayment if it occurred as a result of an error on the part of the DSP.

Incorrect. DSP are obliged to recover overpayments, no matter how they arise.

Please check the legislation before you tell me I'm incorrect. They are obliged to attempt to recover overpayments. However, if you can prove it was as departmental error, then the overpayment can be and is regularly waived! It's allowed for in legislation.

neonsofa

IHeartShoes wrote: »

Please check the legislation before you tell me I'm incorrect. They are obliged to attempt to recover overpayments. However, if you can prove it was as departmental error, then the overpayment can be and is regularly waived! It's allowed for in legislation.

You're both right. The department are obliged to recover any overpayment regardless of how they occurred, including their own errors. However a person can request that this recovery be cancelled/waivered if they can prove firstly that it was an error by the Department and secondly that "the person concerned could not reasonably have been expected to be aware of the failure or error". The dept dont waiver it themselves as a rule, the onus is usually on the person owing the overpayment. The dept could argue that as the op experienced a means assessment and an overpayment previously that she was aware of the error. But it is worth checking into for sure.

marym2

Iheartshoes....very useful to know, thank you

Graces7

guest556 wrote: »

I can't help with figures but have you looked into HAP in your area.

In most counties, it is up and running on a trial basis as it replaces Rent Allowance.

The County Council run HAP

Regards

Form my experience, as I have just moved from a Rent Allowance countu to an HAP county; if you are already on Rent Allowance, you stay on that.HAP applications, I was told, take at least 8 weeks to process.

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

I wish you all the best with it and hope you get it sorted, Im feeling a bit more hopeful that it will all work out eventually. Thanks

Thanks and glad you are feeling a little more at ease. Waiting game here, but I know this well. Checked the rules with Threshold and here and I know i am right

The officer handling my application - and I went in with all the paperwork, which may be a good idea for you - said she was standing in for someone and had no training.. Made a couple of heart-stopping errors after which I kept very quiet.

The officer I referred her to from my last house was punctilious and that may clear things.

Can you make an appointment and go in?

Graces7

The other aspect is that often the left hand and the right hand are unconnected.

Last week I posted the Household benefits package application form , duly filled in.. today a brown harp adorned envelope saying that they understand I have recently moved and they will need the MRPN.. Nb how did they get the new address anyways?

infogiver

Graces7 wrote: »

The other aspect is that often the left hand and the right hand are unconnected.

Last week I posted the Household benefits package application form , duly filled in.. today a brown harp adorned envelope saying that they understand I have recently moved and they will need the MRPN.. Nb how did they get the new address anyways?

If you applied for the HBP at your new address then obviously you gave them your new address in the application form.
The MPRN is different at every address. HBP apply the electricity allowance to the MPRN

Graces7

infogiver wrote: »

If you applied for the HBP at your new address then obviously you gave them your new address in the application form.
The MPRN is different at every address. HBP apply the electricity allowance to the MPRN

Well yes and I put the right MRPN number in the right place on the form..as they asked. ..... so they got the address but not the number? Will return the letter resending the MRPN... as I say right hand and left hand?

infogiver

Graces7 wrote: »

Well yes and I put the right MRPN number in the right place on the form..as they asked. ..... so they got the address but not the number? Will return the letter resending the MRPN... as I say right hand and left hand?

I don't know what you mean by left hand/right hand. To avoid any delay in payment I would be inclined to attach a photocopy of your electricity bill showing the MPRN. But that's just me.

marym2

Graces7, I think If you are on the HAP you will be off the housing list? (as in the years you were renting for will not be included in your wait for a council house)
As far as I know its a scheme so the council will reduce their numbers to make it look like more people are housed, when the reality is If the landlord asks you to move, the council do nothing to help you find a place and you are on your own, and you cannot apply for rent allowance once you are on the HAP.
Alot of landlords dont do HAP, but I was told that eventually rent allowance will be abolished and everyone moved to HAP.
I am going to call them tomorrow and ask for a review and calculation of means, I have a local councillor trying to help me out also.

infogiver

marym2 wrote: »

Graces7, I think If you are on the HAP you will be off the housing list? (as in the years you were renting for will not be included in your wait for a council house)
As far as I know its a scheme so the council will reduce their numbers to make it look like more people are housed, when the reality is If the landlord asks you to move, the council do nothing to help you find a place and you are on your own, and you cannot apply for rent allowance once you are on the HAP.
Alot of landlords dont do HAP, but I was told that eventually rent allowance will be abolished and everyone moved to HAP.
I am going to call them tomorrow and ask for a review and calculation of means, I have a local councillor trying to help me out also.

Not necessarily. If you want to remain on the housing list you can accept HAP and include a letter from yourself with the application stating that you wish to remain "in need of housing ".
Your place on the list will then be preserved.
All this information is available on the CIC website but here's the relevant section

Your housing needs will have been met under HAP and you will no longer be on the local authority’s housing waiting list. However, if you wish to have access to other social housing supports, such as local authority housing or housing provided by a housing association, you can apply to the local authority for a transfer.

If you do apply for a transfer within 2 weeks of getting the letter confirming your HAP payment, any time that you spent on the housing list can be taken into account when your local authority considers your application. If you apply for a transfer at a later date, the time that you previously spent on the housing waiting list won’t count.

Graces7

infogiver wrote: »

I don't know what you mean by left hand/right hand. To avoid any delay in payment I would be inclined to attach a photocopy of your electricity bill showing the MPRN. But that's just me.

I do not have a bill! New account here. Just that I gave them the number etc. ah well.

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

Graces7, I think If you are on the HAP you will be off the housing list? (as in the years you were renting for will not be included in your wait for a council house)
As far as I know its a scheme so the council will reduce their numbers to make it look like more people are housed, when the reality is If the landlord asks you to move, the council do nothing to help you find a place and you are on your own, and you cannot apply for rent allowance once you are on the HAP.
Alot of landlords dont do HAP, but I was told that eventually rent allowance will be abolished and everyone moved to HAP.
I am going to call them tomorrow and ask for a review and calculation of means, I have a local councillor trying to help me out also.

I was told my age alone will let me stay on rent allowance and I have never been on a housing list and no intention of doing so.. happy with renting privately . ( heading for 80 yrs old here)

Graces7

Graces7 wrote: »

Thanks and glad you are feeling a little more at ease. Waiting game here, but I know this well. Checked the rules with Threshold and here and I know i am right

The officer handling my application - and I went in with all the paperwork, which may be a good idea for you - said she was standing in for someone and had no training.. Made a couple of heart-stopping errors after which I kept very quiet.

The officer I referred her to from my last house was punctilious and that may clear things.

Can you make an appointment and go in?

Ten days later and no word so I have reluctantly submitted a complaint. Need the money and have bills I cannot pay.

marym2

Hi Grace, sorry to hear that. It just goes to show what they think of the most vulnerable in this country.

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

Hi Grace, sorry to hear that. It just goes to show what they think of the most vulnerable in this country.

Be sure I am OK; been through this too many times to let myself be upset. Have stocks of all I need! In West Cork it was SEVEN MONTHS!

The stupid thing re the Household Benefit package application was that I sent in the form, complete with new address, and the vital MRPN number, then had a letter, at my new address, saying that they had noted that I had changed address and I needed to fill in a form and give them the MRPN number... It came from the address who you had to send to for the forms!

I replied but no reply so I sent in a complaint re that too...

They do not think. That is the problem. No thought, simply numbers and names. So my job is to make sure I am safe. And I do that well. So used to it now.

Dratted car insurance has caught me out though... Will keep to back lanes

How is it going for you now? pm if you would rather..

Graces7

Just got an acknowledgement in the post re the complaint.Not sure which one...They say it will be sorted within 14 days.

Gatling

Graces7 wrote: »

Just got an acknowledgement in the post re the complaint.Not sure which one...They say it will be sorted within 14 days.

Did you make several complains

Graces7

Gatling wrote: »

Did you make several complains

Only two .. one re the lack of replies re RA, the other the chaos re the HBP.

Been five weeks now.

I remembered when there was a problem re the housing list in Kerry I called Threshold and they were dealing then with someone in Galway Co with the same problems I have, so will check with them today. The move and finding the deposit etc has been hard and need the money.

Balagan

Graces7 wrote: »

I was told my age alone will let me stay on rent allowance and I have never been on a housing list and no intention of doing so.. happy with renting privately . ( heading for 80 yrs old here)

SAGE offers an advocacy and support service for older people and you may find them helpful.

http://www.thirdageireland.ie/sage/contact

infogiver

Graces7 wrote: »

Only two .. one re the lack of replies re RA, the other the chaos re the HBP.

Been five weeks now.

I remembered when there was a problem re the housing list in Kerry I called Threshold and they were dealing then with someone in Galway Co with the same problems I have, so will check with them today. The move and finding the deposit etc has been hard and need the money.

I've made some enquiries today re the MPRN and the HBP "chaos" as you put it.
All HBP applicants are now being requested by letter to confirm the make up of the household and the MPRN of the house.
Tackling fraud is a big current "push" with the department apparently.

marym2

Graces 7, Im so glad to hear you are doing well. They really try to make things difficult. I was with the CWO recently and was told that the new calculation is correct, so I am going to appeal it.
If I was a foster parent, I would receive euro352 per child per week, and If I wanted to apply for rent allowance, I would qualify for that too, and the foster allowance would not be included as income/means, yet when I am trying to raise my own two children alone, and receiving 30 per week in maintenance, the state has decided I should give them all of that plus an extra 30?
I cant see how they are allowed to touch the maintenance as that was a decision made by a judge, who decided that the 15 euro be given to each child weekly, not to me, but to my children.

Clonmel1000

Graces7 wrote: »

OP I feel for you. I was put in a similar situation by the UK when I changed from invalidity to old age pension. I am on Disability Living Allowance and had checked before leaving the UK that that would still be paid here.

Then I got a letter saying they had made an error and would be stopping 10 sterling from my pension every week.

I wrote letters higher up the ladder; I even wrote to Tony BLair! And it got sorted fast with an apology.

Currently trying again to sort Rent Allowance in this new county. Yet again they are trying to force me onto the housing list when the rule is EITHER housing list OR Six months private rental...

The first time that happened I was in Cork and it was only the kindness of a Welfare Complaints Officer that sorted it.

Each county has these. look it up? I am going to have to go that way too soon.

If you make a formal complaint they HAVE to sort it. I emailed mine.On that occasion they were on my doorstep early the next day.

I understand where you are coming from and it is very wrong that they are acting like this.

pm me if you need to?

So much here.....

chasm

Graces7 wrote: »

Be sure I am OK; been through this too many times to let myself be upset. Have stocks of all I need! In West Cork it was SEVEN MONTHS!

The stupid thing re the Household Benefit package application was that I sent in the form, complete with new address, and the vital MRPN number, then had a letter, at my new address, saying that they had noted that I had changed address and I needed to fill in a form and give them the MRPN number... It came from the address who you had to send to for the forms!

I replied but no reply so I sent in a complaint re that too...

They do not think. That is the problem. No thought, simply numbers and names. So my job is to make sure I am safe. And I do that well. So used to it now.

Dratted car insurance has caught me out though... Will keep to back lanes

How is it going for you now? pm if you would rather..

RE the HBP, The electricity allowance will not be paid until they receive a bill in your name with the new MPRN on it.

Graces7

chasm wrote: »

RE the HBP, The electricity allowance will not be paid until they receive a bill in your name with the new MPRN on it.

While it will not be paid, there will be notification of the scheme. There was no request for a bill, simply the demand for the MRPN number they had already been given.. Anyways, they will sort it out! Soon! The complaints have to be delat with within 14 days apparently

Graces7

infogiver wrote: »

I've made some enquiries today re the MPRN and the HBP "chaos" as you put it.
All HBP applicants are now being requested by letter to confirm the make up of the household and the MPRN of the house.
Tackling fraud is a big current "push" with the department apparently.

I get it but they had all that three weeks ago! Three times now...

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

Graces 7, Im so glad to hear you are doing well. They really try to make things difficult. I was with the CWO recently and was told that the new calculation is correct, so I am going to appeal it.
If I was a foster parent, I would receive euro352 per child per week, and If I wanted to apply for rent allowance, I would qualify for that too, and the foster allowance would not be included as income/means, yet when I am trying to raise my own two children alone, and receiving 30 per week in maintenance, the state has decided I should give them all of that plus an extra 30?
I cant see how they are allowed to touch the maintenance as that was a decision made by a judge, who decided that the 15 euro be given to each child weekly, not to me, but to my children.

do appeal it and maybe the Citizens info will help there? Something not right as you know.

I just need an end to this mess here. Fed up of having to say the same things over and again at my age.

When I went into the office re the RA, it was a senior official who dealt with it. I had been trying weeks to get in touch and only managed it as I emaiied several offices and it finally landed on the right desk.

It was a senior officer who I spoke with and she said at the start she was filling on for someone and "had no training in this," which became all too clear as the interview went on...Mistake after mistake. Like saying the rent here was way above rent allowance limits when it is actually way below..

Then she simply stopped corresponding. Which is why I went higher. After the 7 month Cork fiasco...same thing, same rules being flouted by local councils...

Anyways is in higher hands now. We shall see and my cupboards are full... Dratted car insurance is something I had forgotten about

chasm

Graces7 wrote: »

While it will not be paid, there will be notification of the scheme. There was no request for a bill, simply the demand for the MRPN number they had already been given.. Anyways, they will sort it out! Soon! The complaints have to be delat with within 14 days apparently

The Household Benefits application form asks you to provide a copy of your electricity bill.

Graces7

chasm wrote: »

The Household Benefits application form asks you to provide a copy of your electricity bill.

It said" any bills you might have"and no mention of that in the letter they sent.

They said I had to send for and fill in a form which I had already done . And did not enclose one...

Anyways they will sort it in their own sweet time and meanwhile am using gas and the fire to avoid a big bill.

chasm

Graces7 wrote: »

It said" any bills you might have"and no mention of that in the letter they sent.

They said I had to send for and fill in a form which I had already done . And did not enclose one...

Anyways they will sort it in their own sweet time and meanwhile am using gas and the fire to avoid a big bill.

I filled out the HB1 form myself less than a year ago and i know for a fact that it asks for a copy of your bill, as i had to wait for a bill to issue before applying.

Part 2
1. Electricity Allowance:
You must be registered, or joint registered consumer (your name must be on the bill), before the allowance can be credited to your bill. Please contact your supplier if this is not the case. Please provide a copy of your electricity bill.
What is your electricity MPRN?
(11 digit number) on right hand side of bill

http://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/hb1.pdf

Graces7

chasm wrote: »

I filled out the HB1 form myself less than a year ago and i know for a fact that it asks for a copy of your bill, as i had to wait for a bill to issue before applying.

Part 2
1. Electricity Allowance:
You must be registered, or joint registered consumer (your name must be on the bill), before the allowance can be credited to your bill. Please contact your supplier if this is not the case. Please provide a copy of your electricity bill.
What is your electricity MPRN?
(11 digit number) on right hand side of bill

http://www.welfare.ie/en/pdf/hb1.pdf

I repeat that that is not what they asked for in the personal letter . Anyways the complaints folk will sort it now.. over and out

Graces7

marym2 wrote: »

Graces7.....Yes i am going to take this as high as I can and contact every one who I think might be able to help. I should have included, that they were saying, that it is the 30 euro maintenance. Thats why they reduced it. But back in 2015, the DSP were taking 15 of that 30 and like you, i met a very kind CWO and she said that this was wrong and ended up allowing me to keep the maintenance of 28, while they took 2.

So, given that my circumstances havent changed one bit, and that they have always known about the maintenance as I always declared it, I am baffled as to why they have now changed it around completely.

What I dont understand is how this has happened TWICE, where the DSP are claiming they made an error in their calculations, surely for such a serious matter as spending the government money, there would be clear assessment rules to follow and clear amount guidelines accross the board.

Its almost like it's designed that way to heap more stress and pressure on people struggling, to get a letter sayng you owe money on an overpayment when you are already struggling with the payment as it is, getting punished for their error. Also I am so angry that the CWO cut off the rent allowance on the same day he sent the letter out. Anyway, I feel so discriminated against and I am not letting this go.

They had said they would send me out a letter outlining their decision, but the letter I received only states the fact that they are reducing the amount, and I will have to pay back what I owe them, it gives no calculation of figures. I will be requesting all of that now.

Graces7, It sounds like they make up their own rules along the way depending on how they are feeling, thanks for tip about welfare complaints officer, I hadn't known and that will be on my agenda now.

The good news is that I have just had a letter confirming Rent allowance has been granted, from the date I applied. A little less than before so I am paying more but there we are

So the complaints system works; knew they were in the wrong and sorted now. Sweet relief. Hoping you get sorted soon too.