ESA DWP and yet another waste of time and money

[Offcut]

As some of you know I had a nightmare getting ESA and had major problems with the DWP getting their facts wrong. to add to this saga my wife got a letter stating that she had to attend a work focus meeting because I was On ESA. I also got a letter stating that this is what they were going to do and a form for me to sign to allow them if I agreed to talk to her about my benefit?

My wife called them to explain that she has a job and is working 19 hours a week! To be told that "she has to go or I will lose my benefit and they will look into what else can be done to enhance her work experience"

The time come yesterday and I went with her, with a letter from work to explain that these hours are all she can get as the council have an overtime ban and as my unpaid carer for doctors hospital appointments etc. it does suit our requirements. As soon as we sat down my wife mentioned that this is the hours from her workplace to be told "so why are you here?" Once more no one listens to what is told to them on the phone or put on the forms. DWP claim my wife works more than 100 hours a month but on my calculator even on a 5 week month it is under 100 hours. However it looks like when it suits them they forget that she even works? I really do feel I am on a hit list

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Mate

I can hear the frustration, I do have a suggestion, make an appointment to go and see your MP at his/her surgery and tell them the story, they have no choice then but to formally bring up your case at the highest level in the DWP, and my experience is that derriere's get kicked and you may find a real difference.

Hope this helps

Ian

[jennydog in reply to Beancounter]

Ian's advice is excellent.

My friend went blind and applied for DLA. But was refused so I appealed. Phone calls to and from Cardiff. Me saying things like " we are talking blind here,not back ache." Total stalemate. So I sent copies of all the paperwork (their awful spelling included) to Ian Duncan Smith. No response. So I sent the whole lot to David Cameron at No10, Downing Street. 7 days later she was granted top rate benefits.

[Offcut in reply to Beancounter]

To be honest I got my MP involved with my ESA farce (appeal and 8 months no money put in wrong closed account) and they did do things a lot quicker after he/his helpers got involved. But I may becoming paranoid as I seem to have things thrown at me all the time by DWP that are not relevant but time consuming calling and recalling waiting on DWP line and stressful.