My benefit has been stopped due to the DWP not receiving a form back on time (they say). I have told them I sent it off and it should have arrived on time (have proof of posting). It was a BF.... (something!) for not attending an Atos test. Is it possible to claim hardship payments, if so, how do I do this? Is it possible to get the money reinstated. I have sent in an appeal well within the time limit and received a reconsideration telling me they have not changed their decision and it will be sent to an indepent tribunal. Any suggestions please.

Ladychubbs, I'm in a similar position of having to prove my innocence and I fully understand how scary this is. The details of my situation are different and I'm not sure who it is that is at the root of the problem (my property has been subject to surveillance for the past ten days, through the use of council vans. Council deny they use surveillance!).I too am very much for standing up for injustice and I suspect that this can be a cause for those in authority attempting to bring you down. I had a conversation with an individual from a government agency in which I strongly expressed my annoyance at how police had handled a particular situation, and this person clearly took huge offence. I suspect that this is where my problems stem from, but it is extremely difficult to get a straight answer from those I am contacting, namely the local authority.Hopefully, someone will come on the forum who can offer some advice for either or both of us, and readers looking in.

Wondering if anyone can help with my query above. Sorry it's in a chunk of text. I tried three times to put it into paragraphs but it reverted back.I'll try to explain it again.1) I am disputing the amount as it seems excessive. 2) I cannot provide my own reading.3) They are threatening legal action (warrant, putting in a pre-payment meter).As I live on my own and am not well (and am on benefits) it would be scary for me to have a pre-payment meter. The only shop nearby does not provide top-ups for SSE so I could be without heating in the winter.Any suggestions please

When I moved to my present home 3 years ago SSE were the electricity supplier and I reluctantly accepted them. I have had numerous problems over the years which have not been resolved.I live on my own and am very careful with use of electricity. The last year the prices have skyrocketed and they say I owe around £1,300. They put a new meter in about 2 years ago and I have not been able to provide my readings because the meter does not show the details. I have sent many letters outlining my disagreements with their service but they admit nothing and continue harrassing me. They have sent debt collectors (charging about £48 for the visit), refused to accept that their readings are incorrect, threatened me with fitting a prepayment meter (I live in a rural area and the only shop does not have the facility for top-ups for SSE). They have also threatened me with legal action, saying they will get a warrant and will send bailiffs round.I contacted Consumer Focus who it seems clear now to me are working hand-in-hand with SSE. They are not working for consumers despite the fact that their website says they help consumers.I am unwell and am on benefits. The stress is causing me sleepless nights. I believe I would fall into the category of vulnerable consumers and have told them this, but nothing seems to change.If anyone has any suggestions on how to resolve this, I would be pleased to hear. Thanks for reading this.

My energy company are threatening to install a prepayment meter and obtaining a warrant to do this. I understand the only access they are allowed, is to the actual meter. My meter is outside my property. If they obtain a warrant, they would bring a policeman/woman I assume to avoid a breach of the peace - is this correct?I am confused as to how they can mix civil and criminal law, and wonder if anyone knows whether they are acting illegally.They have already sent some heavy-duty threats about obtaining a warrant etc. and I'm really scared. Does anyone have any advice please.I have an ongoing dispute about the amount of the bill. I am currently paying small amounts but do not believe the meter is working correctly as the bills are now very excessive. I can't get any sense out of them, and am trying to establish the legal position so I know where I stand.Thanks in advance.

Thank you Margaret. I don't actually have any contact with the jobcentre. The idea of a complete change of circumstances makes sense, as my old form bears no resemblance to my current condition (due to all the stress imposed on me by DWP and Atos). I was making progress until all this hit me. I am absolutely going out of my mind with worry. I will try to work out what to do and will get back to you when I have some news. Thanks for all your help.

Thanks to you all for your replies. I know I did find information stating medical evidence must be no older than 3 months in order to be considered valid, and I saw this twice on the net. I may have to do a bit more research to see if I can find it. As regards Reg 21 it does say they must send an ESA50 and allow the standard time. I would have thought that means there is no room for them to get out of it, but knowing "them" they will probably find a way. It's all very stressful and worrying. Anyway, thank you for your help:-)

Thank you both for your help. I'm not sure if I should acknowledge your post here Margaret, or in the new tillhread? Perhaps I'll do both. What I'm really trying to find out is, is there a time limit for evidence already supplied to DWP when sending in an ESA50. I sent one in about a year ago and am trying to get them to agree to various reasonable adjustments. However, I believe the ESA50 evidence is no longer relevant. I understand under Regulation 21 they are obliged to send an ESA50 form in order to ascertain whether an assessment is necessary. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this clearly. What I really want is for them to send me a new ESA50 and allow the standard time for reply, in order that I can explain my new circumstances, and possbly avoid an assessment. Thank you in advance.

I have just joined and have searched and searched to find out how to start a new thread. The "Start a new thread" just seems to have a list of members, but no instructions on how to start a new thead. Please help, and sorry for posting this on your thread. My question is in regards to time limits for medical evidence when applying for benefits. Thank you.