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Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
- Steve Blue
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11 years 3 months ago - 11 years 3 months ago #115554 by Steve Blue
Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth was created by Steve Blue
As I sit here I'm not really sure what to write...
I received a call today from a decision maker. Although the decision made in 2012 placed my dad into the WRAG group which ended his benefits in November 2013, a reconsideration from his 2013 assessment decision has finally placed him into the Support Group. Not only that... the decision maker also advised that he's set my dad's next assessment date for partway through 2016, which would probably not be necessary as he's currently due to retire around that time. He will now receive a higher rate, plus arrears which will be dated back if I remember rightly to his 2013 assessment date or decision date... I can't remember a lot of what was said. I was in shock.
So why do I feel so bad?
I think because it's taken over a year to get this rectified. Over a year of letter writing to the DWP, complaints departments, MPs, doctors, consultants. Over a year of unnecessary upset, months of severe stress for my dad, and also for our family as a whole. Over a year of worry and tears. But it could all have been avoided if the correct decision had been made originally. Don't get me wrong, we're happy the decision has finally been made to place my dad into the rightful Support Group, that his condition has finally been acknowledged, but why couldn't the system have worked correctly from the onset?
I received a call today from a decision maker. Although the decision made in 2012 placed my dad into the WRAG group which ended his benefits in November 2013, a reconsideration from his 2013 assessment decision has finally placed him into the Support Group. Not only that... the decision maker also advised that he's set my dad's next assessment date for partway through 2016, which would probably not be necessary as he's currently due to retire around that time. He will now receive a higher rate, plus arrears which will be dated back if I remember rightly to his 2013 assessment date or decision date... I can't remember a lot of what was said. I was in shock.
So why do I feel so bad?
I think because it's taken over a year to get this rectified. Over a year of letter writing to the DWP, complaints departments, MPs, doctors, consultants. Over a year of unnecessary upset, months of severe stress for my dad, and also for our family as a whole. Over a year of worry and tears. But it could all have been avoided if the correct decision had been made originally. Don't get me wrong, we're happy the decision has finally been made to place my dad into the rightful Support Group, that his condition has finally been acknowledged, but why couldn't the system have worked correctly from the onset?
Last edit: 11 years 3 months ago by Gordon.
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11 years 3 months ago #115557 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
BB
Congratulations on getting the original Decision overturned.
I wouldn't dwell on the time it has taken, enjoy the win, the delays are fundamental to the way that the system is currently being run, only radical change will make a difference and this will not happen in the short term.
Gordon
Congratulations on getting the original Decision overturned.
I wouldn't dwell on the time it has taken, enjoy the win, the delays are fundamental to the way that the system is currently being run, only radical change will make a difference and this will not happen in the short term.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- Puccalove
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11 years 3 months ago #115558 by Puccalove
Replied by Puccalove on topic Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
I agree with you it shouldn't be so hard to get the money your entitled to but congrats anyway!
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- slugsta
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11 years 3 months ago - 11 years 3 months ago #115559 by slugsta
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by slugsta on topic Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
Hi BB,
I'm so glad that your father has finally got the result he deserves. I can understand your anger at the year of stress that has been caused by the original decision but, as Gordon says, it is probably best not to dwell on something you cannot change.
I'm so glad that your father has finally got the result he deserves. I can understand your anger at the year of stress that has been caused by the original decision but, as Gordon says, it is probably best not to dwell on something you cannot change.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 11 years 3 months ago by slugsta. Reason: typo
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- bro58
11 years 3 months ago #115560 by bro58
Replied by bro58 on topic Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
That is really good news Bb !!!
Well done for persevering and successfully fighting Dad's corner.
Give yourself a well deserved "pat on the back"
Maybe Dad will get you a "small" celebratory drink !!!
These long battles can take a lot out of one, but as Gordon says,
Enjoy the victory !!!!!
bro58
Well done for persevering and successfully fighting Dad's corner.
Give yourself a well deserved "pat on the back"
Maybe Dad will get you a "small" celebratory drink !!!

These long battles can take a lot out of one, but as Gordon says,
Enjoy the victory !!!!!
bro58
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- chrissy v
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11 years 3 months ago #115566 by chrissy v
Replied by chrissy v on topic Victory Leaves Bad Taste In Mouth
Well Done
CV
CV
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