Benefits stopped because I didn't take a job.

[MARTIN3030]

George-please keep all your posts in relation to this - in here.

Your last post elsewhere has been unapproved.

Can you repost here-without the expletives ?

[Georgec]

I don't understand the logic in this at all.

 

As you may know, my JSA was sanctioned a month ago. Since then, I've had no money. I can't even get a crisis loan.

 

I sold my body for sex and had to sell some household items.

 

I complained to the DWP and told them what I had done. They were not interested.

 

I claimed for severe hardship and they delayed the claim for seven whole days. They received it this morning despire the fact that I personally handed the application in 7 days ago.

 

Phoning them to find out where the application was up to, was like climbing a mountain. The woman on the phone had no clue what she was talking about.

 

So today, they "fast tracked" the claim. And now they're telling me after all this time that I wont get any hardship allowance untill two weeks time!

 

I don't understand this at all. I'm in a crisis right now!

 

What's the point in giving me the money on the day I get my JSA reinstated?

 

Are they doing this on purpose? Who are these incompetent people?! I've a good mind to write a letter to the Secretary of State!

 

Yeah! Like she'd care! :x:x:x:x

 

Do the DWP exist just to aggravate people or what?

[MARTIN3030]

2 threads merged-There are quite a few CAG members trying to assist-please keep your posts to one thread so they can continue to follow.

[Georgec]

2 threads merged-There are quite a few CAG members trying to assist-please keep your posts to one thread so they can continue to follow.

 

Sorry about that.

[MARTIN3030]

No problem.

 

So-can you say what was the conclusion from the CAB -did they offer anything ?

[Georgec]

No problem.

 

So-can you say what was the conclusion from the CAB -did they offer anything ?

 

Nothing. There's nothing more I can do.

 

I just don't understand it. Hardship allowance should cover the time you really need it, not when you don't need it. I can't even get a crisis loan to tide me over.

 

I thought I was entitled to a crisis loan "to meet my needs following a crisis". I can't get one.

[MARTIN3030]

Ok.

Not much consolation now,I know-but Maybe an idea to be doing a full SAR in the future (when you can afford the tenner) to see if there is any recourse for you,in the way you have been treated.

 

Also worth considering going into one of the welfare rights advice places-such as the one in Corporation Street opposite the old Council offices.

[happyhamr]

hellow Georgec,so sorry about your situation,but i can not do much,because as like you, i dont "believe" they do under stand.,or care.

(really)

all i can offer is a big ,and hope somehow,some way you get the help you desperately need.

 

happyhamr

[Georgec]

Ok.

Not much consolation now,I know-but Maybe an idea to be doing a full SAR in the future (when you can afford the tenner) to see if there is any recourse for you,in the way you have been treated.

 

Also worth considering going into one of the welfare rights advice places-such as the one in Corporation Street opposite the old Council offices.

 

I went to the one in Corporation St today and they told me that they can't help me, "the law is the law" was their exact words. Looks like there's no help for me.

 

The state is starving me out. Why are they doing this?

[MARTIN3030]

The state is starving me out. Why are they doing this?

 

 

Fraid only others can answer that one George.

Despite lots of replies here,seems you remain in the same position.

Lets hope that you can find alternative means of surviving without those you speak of.

I am not in any position to know such desperation,but I have witnessed many many cases and situations of hopelessness on the CAG over the years,and can say that as dark and as your situ appears now-theres always a way with a clear head.

But Its not so easy for you to see it at the moment.

[Georgec]

What is the "Subject Access Request"? How will that help me, I mean?

[MARTIN3030]

Its your right under the Data Protection Act to have copies of all data held on you sent.

There is a fee of £10 which covers everything,although there are certain exclusions where they can be exempt,or else ask for additional charges.

In your case,none of those should apply.

 

Getting copies of all the data held on you,could reveal any decisions or actions that were taken inappropriately,or outside their remit...which could give rise for you to challenge.

 

In particular I would be asking for screenshots,and activity logs/reports that covered the period in question leading up to/and after the decisions that were taken.

 

No one can say conclusively,that there WILL be anything incriminating there,but for a tenner-I think its worth a shot.

[ErikaPNP]

DWP generally waive the fee, and their template doesn't require it. DWP SAR template attached.

dwp sar.rtf

[Georgec]

Its your right under the Data Protection Act to have copies of all data held on you sent.

There is a fee of £10 which covers everything,although there are certain exclusions where they can be exempt,or else ask for additional charges.

In your case,none of those should apply.

 

Getting copies of all the data held on you,could reveal any decisions or actions that were taken inappropriately,or outside their remit...which could give rise for you to challenge.

 

In particular I would be asking for screenshots,and activity logs/reports that covered the period in question leading up to/and after the decisions that were taken.

 

No one can say conclusively,that there WILL be anything incriminating there,but for a tenner-I think its worth a shot.

 

I still don't understand. I'm in this mess because they accused me of not taking a "reasonable job opportunity". And I don't trust the DWP enough for them to send me any info. They've already pursued my stepdad to court over allegations which have now been found to be totally fabricated.

[MARTIN3030]

DWP generally waive the fee, and their template doesn't require it. DWP SAR template attached.

 

 

I would send the fee regardless-it guarantees full compliance-or morever gives no reasons for stalling.

[MARTIN3030]

Quote

 

I still don't understand. I'm in this mess because they accused me of not taking a "reasonable job opportunity". And I don't trust the DWP enough for them to send me any info. They've already pursued my stepdad to court over allegations which have now been found to be totally fabricated."

 

 

The issues with your stepdad should bear no reflection to your own issues insofar as any SAR is concerned.

 

Whilst its understandable that you will feel no trust and question the worthiness of a SAR,its very serious for them to ignore,or to be uneconomical with facts.

I did a SAR to St.Helens Council,and without going into details,I can tell you that it was extremely productive to me.

[MARTIN3030]

I have to say also-having looked at the DWP form there does not appear to be much provision to accomodate a full request.

There is no indication as to what the computer or clerical records include.

In the box for additional info it encourages the subject to be as specific as possible tho.

Many will know that a data controller can refuse a request that does not contain specific requests-so here should be used to request copies of everything,and it should be listed by bullet point.

 

There is no requirement to use their form-nothing in the DPA demands this-except in the case for example for CCTV images.

 

I am also wary of sending any request for a SAR to any address other than the one registered with the ICO.

[MARTIN3030]

Registration Number: Z7107614

Date Registered: 11 October 2002 Registration Expires: 10 October 2010

 

Data Controller: DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

 

Address:

CAXTON HOUSE

TOTHILL STREET

LONDON

SW1H 9DA

[bigsteve0000]

if you initiate an apeal ask them for detail regarding the alledged job. in all ferness they should give you full details of the accusation.

[MARTIN3030]

Loan Ranger prev gave some good info on this-I saw in particular the criteria that would appear to suggest allows consideration for other requirements.

Can anyone confirm how long George has to appeal ?

[loan_ranger]

Thanks for the compliment Martin. Here's a link to the post (#6 in the thread) http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/benefits-tax-credits-minimum/263195-benefits-stopped-because-i.html#post2972998

[MARTIN3030]

Great.

[ErikaPNP]

The appeal time limit is one calendar month from the date of decision. An appeal can be submitted later than this however reasons for the appeal being late would need to be provided for the Tribunal Service to consider whether they can accept that there was good cause for the late request. (If they aren't provided the TS can reject a late appeal). The absolute time limit is 13 months from the date of the decision. The DMG on sanctions can be found here. I find it very strange that CAB and Welfare Rights are unwilling to offer assistance given what you have told us.

 

I have to say also-having looked at the DWP form there does not appear to be much provision to accomodate a full request.

There is no indication as to what the computer or clerical records include.

In the box for additional info it encourages the subject to be as specific as possible tho.

 

Most claimants will have no idea what the computer or clerical records include. Most claims will be computerised (i.e. information about the claim held on the computerised system) however just about every claim will have clerical papers such as the claim form, written notes by the decision makers, copies of documents as supporting evidence, etc. A Clerical claim is different from a computerised claim though, and again most claimants will have no idea whether or not their claims are clerical unless they have specifically been told so. The general advice with DWP SAR's is to ask for both computer records and clerical records to ensure that this provides all of the information.

 

It can also be extremely useful to ask for a full audit trail; an audit trail shows up information which would not normally be included in a SAR, and which is not immediately obvious; every keystroke made on that person's records for the requested dates.

[MARTIN3030]

"It can also be extremely useful to ask for a full audit trail; an audit trail shows up information which would not normally be included in a Subject access request, and which is not immediately obvious; every keystroke made on that person's records for the requested dates."

 

Good info Erika-this is what I was driving at-but could not remember the wording....though it was a bit late.

[MARTIN3030]

"I find it very strange that CAB and Welfare Rights are unwilling to offer assistance given what you have told us. "

 

 

Me too-in particular since I am familiar with these organisations in St.Helens and its not something that I have heard of (certainly for BOTH to reject)