Unfairly Sanctioned And Risk Of Losing Property

[33crazydude]

Thanks Margaret,

 

Some useful advice you have provided

 

Is this the form, I'll need to fill out?

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181311/SSCS1.pdf

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[jasta11]

I sympathise with you totally, 33crazydude - I had exactly the same thing happen to me but fortunately I got the money back as they didn't even bother sending me a letter telling me my money had been stopped (which they have to) so I got them on a technicality. Yet another good reason for us all to read up and learn the guidance rules.

 

Definitely appeal the decision and strongly emphasise your ADHD, even though the JC already know about it and handed you a written letter as a reminder - it's still no guarantee that you'd remember it and this should be taken into consideration by the person conducting the appeal. Plus, as this is the first time you've missed an appointment and you've always been previously punctual then they should accept it as a genuine mistake.

 

This is why I now play them at their own game and exercise my own zero tolerance and report the slightest error on their part. I'd much rather we could all act as humans and exercise a little 'give and take' but sadly that's not how the DWP want to play it these days. Good luck with your appeal.

[33crazydude]

I just received a phone call from my local jobcentre and told them that their decision to sanction me was unjust

I also mentioned my ADHD which did seem to benefit my reconsideration appeal.

 

At the end of my telephone conversation, I was successful and they’ve decided to pay me my benefits again and relinquish their draconian sanction.

 

I very nearly had to go down the hardship benefits route because not going down the hardship route will result in losing housing benefit as well.

 

Anyhow, the lady on the phone has asked me to phone their Nottingham benefits centre tomorrow to ensure their department received her email to start my jobseekers allowance again.

 

By the way jasta11, I agree, it’s a good idea to play them at their own game and take a zero tolerance at any mistakes they make, but what good will it do.

It’s always the little people who suffer from their zero tolerance, but our complaints do little to their circumstances.

We are just the little people!

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[**Margaret**]

:Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals:

 

Yes, the form at #16 is to appeal jobseekers (ESA and IS) decisions at a tribunal.

 

But before claimants get anywhere near a tribunal, they have to ask Jobcentreplus to 'look at the decision again'. If a decision isn't revised by Jobcentreplus, they send the claimant two copies of the mandatory reconsideration notice cos the Tribunals Service need a copy with a SSCS1 form.

 

Work n Pensions don't provide application forms for reconsiderations.

 

Currently, claimants and Jobcentreplus personnel alike are using the terms 'appeal' and 'reconsideration' interchangeably. Or Jobcentreplus are telling claimants they can't appeal.

 

1: Written (or phone) request to Jobcentreplus for a mandatory reconsideration. Jobcentreplus 'look at the decision again' to see if it can be changed.

 

2: As for :33crazydude: the decision may be revised. (Changed.)

 

3: More likely, the decision won't be revised and claimant will receive two copies of mandatory reconsideration notice.

 

4: Use one copy of mandatory reconsideration notice to appeal on a SSCS1 form to the Tribunals Service.

 

Good luck, Margaret.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[jasta11]

Great news! I'm actually surprised that they've shown a human side and reconsidered in your favour. Do as the advisor says though and check your money is back online again, don't just assume that because they said it was okay it actually will be. Inter-departmental communication is not a strong point of the JC.

 

As for what good will it do playing them at their own game, it will certainly make them think twice about targetting you if they know you're someone who won't be pushed about, knows the rules and will report them if they fail to do their job. They really do treat you differently once they see this, I can vouch for that. They're Civil Servants and their jobs are nowhere near as secure as they once were, so they don't want any complaints..neither do their managers

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[33crazydude]

Hi jasta11,

 

I was surprised the Jobcentre would drop the sanction to be honest, but you’re correct about Inter-departmental communication being their weak point.

 

I spoke with a lady called XXXXX yesterday who works for some DWP department and she instructed me to phone Nottingham benefits centre the following day.

 

The reason for phoning Nottingham benefits centre guarantees XXXXX’s email was received to start my benefits up again.

 

I should get another phone call later today and hopefully they’ll tell me that my sanction was lifted.

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[33crazydude]

Hi There,

 

I might be starting a job soon and my work program said they would pay for my first one month of bus fair costs, but my work program also recommended contacting the jobcentre because they might offer two months free bus fair.

 

Apparently, it’s called the Work Wise Scheme and curious if anyone has heard of it?

[citizenB]

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/workwise/

 

The link above is some blurb put out by Dudley Council. They do mention the 2 monthly travel passes. It tells you what the criteria is to claim this.

 

It might be a good idea to see if your Local Authority also have some thing similar that you can have a read of.

[Mr.P]

I might be starting a job soon and my work program said they would pay for my first one month of bus fare costs, but my work program also recommended contacting the jobcentre because they might offer two months free bus fare.

 

If you are on the Work Programme, the JCP will refer you back to the provider and tell you that it is their responsibility to fund any "back to work incentives". They have already offered the first month's bus pass, I'd suggest negotiating for the second, especially if they expect to take the credit for helping you in to work (and collecting their payments).

 

Have you provided details of the new employer yet ?

If not, that is one bargaining chip to use.

[33crazydude]

Very true, I found out today that people on work programs are referred back to them and they will provide the funding.

The only people who can acquire a free bus pass for 2 months are those not sent on a work program, but many unemployed people have never heard of the Work Wise Scheme.

 

Thanks to all who responded to my post, I am very grateful

[33crazydude]

Hi there everyone,

 

I was wondering if someone was able to advise me about possible changes coming to work experience through the job centre.

 

At the moment, I’m looking for paid work, but also trying to do some work experience through the job centre on my own accord.

 

However, my new job centre advisor keeps saying the government will be likely changing work experience from voluntary to mandatory in the near future.

 

She keeps telling me this when I sign on at the jobcentre each fortnight and it seems she’s trying to drum it into my head.

 

I told my advisor that work experience at the moment is voluntary and if I don’t like it, I can try something else, but she keeps insisting the governments going to change work experience to mandatory.

 

I get the impression the jobcentre don’t like their clients exercising their rights or freedoms too much and this encourages them to scaremonger a little bit.

 

Anyway, is this true or is my condescending advisor just instilling fear?

[Sparks_]

I wouldnt let her get to you, ignore what she is saying till it is in writing!

[Chester6]

I think they scaremonger a lot plus don't like clients exercising their rights and freedom or even knowing that actually have any

They want you broken and malleable and willing to leap to their every wish and even then they'll still bully you too often

[Bazooka Boo]

Id reply to her and ask her what work experience she's going to do when she looks for her next job?

 

Some of these individuals do not understand that they are

most likely next on the chopping block?

Edited January 24, 2016 by honeybee13
Suggestion of violence removed.

[Lapsed Workaholic]

Crazydude.

Mandatory Work Activity (MWA) which involved doing work experience for 1 month (30hrs per week approx) is coming to an end at the end of March.

Community Work Placement (CWP) is being rolled out in conjunction with Universal Credit to replace MWA. This involves doing work experience for 6 months (30hrs per week approx).

This could be the change that you are being prepared for.

Finding yourself any voluntary situation on your own initiative for several hours per day or week is not acceptable to them these days. You see, they can't control you and the Providers can't make money out of you if they let you do that.

If you feel that you are being intimidated you should consider recording your interviews if you are not doing so already. You would certainly be advised to do it when they start moves to refer you to CWP in earnest.

[Dazza1983]

My advisor has advised me to look for some voluntary work otherwise i'm going to have to do MWA. Just emailed my local Oxfam to see if they need volunteers as that has to be better than been sent somewhere you don't want for 4 weeks.

[konark]

Community Work Placement is being axed at the end of March, but will run to October for those forced on it before then . Word is that they're having a bit of a round-up for a last hurrah

[Lapsed Workaholic]

Community Work Placement is being axed at the end of March, but will run to October for those forced on it before then . Word is that they're having a bit of a round-up for a last hurrah

Thanks for the correction Konark. I took the information on which I based my earlier post from documents issued by DWP and statements by Ian Duncan Smith, more fool me.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/department-for-work-and-pensions-settlement-at-the-spending-review

 

".....a new Work and Health Programme replacing the Work Programme and Work Choice which will provide specialist support for the long-term unemployed and claimants with health conditions and disabilities."

 

Ian Duncan Smith announced in a statement about his Spending Review widely reported in the press at the time:

 

"This Spending Review will see the start of genuine integration between the health and work sectors, with a renewed focus on supporting people with health conditions and disabilities return to and remain in work. We will increase spending in this area, expanding Access to Work and Fit for Work, and investing in the Health and Work Innovation Fund and the new Work and Health Programme."

 

I took all this to mean that the "Work Programme" and the post Work Programme "Help to Work Schemes", under which the "Community Work Placement Scheme" was introduced, were being rebranded and expected to continue as the "Work & Health Programme"

[33crazydude]

Thanks Lapsed, I think recording my conversations is a good idea

[Mr.P]

My advisor has advised me to look for some voluntary work otherwise i'm going to have to do MWA. Just emailed my local Oxfam to see if they need volunteers as that has to be better than been sent somewhere you don't want for 4 weeks.

 

Don't forget that there are plenty of volunteering opportunities beyond charity shops. I am fortunate to have two preserved steam railways within a short drive, so could get involved with overhauling a locomotive if I wanted. Then there are countless local groups involved in restoration, finance (thinking of Credit Unions here), as well as advice & support groups.

 

Decide what is of benefit to yourself and is of interest, then go looking to see what volunteer opportunities are out there.

[Chester6]

Mine suggested volunteering but says I would be forced to do slave labour when forced to

[33crazydude]

Hi there people,

 

 

I have finally decided to cease my work experience, but shall be looking for something else in the near future,

 

However, the job centre has been paying for my buss pass each week and I believe they do this for up to 8 weeks?

 

To be honest, I’m curious if pulling out before the 8 weeks was potentially bad for me and may get me sanctioned?

 

I have worked at the British hearts foundation in Accocks Green for just two weeks and my hours were 16 hours per week.

 

 

Hope you guys might be able to advise me?

[Dazza1983]

If the job centre mandated you to attend the British Heart Foundation and you decided to stop attending then yes you may well end up with a sanction.

 

If you found the work experience placement yourself then as far as i'm aware you can't be sanctioned.

[33crazydude]

Hi Dazza1983,

 

With regard to my current circumstances, I have been involved in some work experience for 2 weeks on my own accord and like you said, it isn’t mandatory.

My work experience is just 16 hours per week and 4 hours each time I work.

 

Luckily, the job centre agreed to pay for my buss pass and said they would cover my transportation costs for up to 8 weeks if memory serves me correct?

 

However, I have now decided to no longer continue my current work experience and now considering something else.

 

I visited the job centre today and told my advisor I was ending my current work experience, but she wouldn’t allow me to find something else.

 

Put simply, my job centre advisor said she was going to refer me to the Community Work Placement (CWP) the next time I sign on.

 

By the look of things, (CWP) is mandatory for up to 10 or 6 weeks, but when I asked my advisor what (CWP) involves, she seemed to deliberately avoid telling me.

 

Is there anyway you can advise me in how to get out of this (CWP) and do you know what (CWP) might entail?

Edited September 23, 2022 by dx100uk
unnecessary previous post quote removed

[Dazza1983]

In that case you won't be sanctioned. As for the (CWP) i don't know too much about it. I was going to be mandated to do (MWA) but my advisor has held off making me do it and advised me to find my own voluntary posistion I thought the (CWP) was for 6 months and for 30 hours a week. Someone on here who knows more about it than myself will know.