Unable to unblock Unknown numbers

Hello,

I notice from the latest newsletter people are being advised to unblock unknown numbers on the day of assessment calls. I'm not allowed to do this - the block was put in place for my safety. I'm worried I'll be missing an assessment because they'll be trying to ring me.

I'm really worried as I've lost all medical and social support anyway because it's all now behind Unknown numbers as well and I'm scared I'm going to lose my benefits as well.

I had both ESA and PIP assessments done at the same time and both for three years in March 2017.

Any advice? I can't get another phone as any phone registered to me will have the block on it. My last application didn't have a number on it after I was advised not to if I struggle to use a phone. Doesn't mean it's not still lurking around the dwp somewhere though.

Thanks,
Bekki

Hi Bekki

As BIS has said if you've not heard from PIP re an impending review you're unlikely to hear from them for at least another three months. Additionally as far as I'm aware they should WRITE to you about this rather than phoning you. IF however they, or anyone else, DID phone you from a 'number withheld line' then if what happened in the past still does then the CALLER should hear an automated message telling them that that the phone number that are calling does NOT accept withheld numbers! If so then 'PIP' would know that you couldn't be contacted via a number withheld wouldn't they?

Additionally it IS possible for someone whose phone is set to withhold their number from the caller to REMOVE that facility on a call by call basis! They can do this by dialling 1470 and then the number they're calling and then the person they are calling WOULD be able to see that number and this would then be let through by your phone! I know of a GP's receptionist who does this when she phones certain patients. As you know calls from GP's surgeries, other 'businesses' etc are often from number withheld phones. The receptionist told me that some patients won't answer calls from number withheld numbers as they wish to deter telesales, scammers and other pests so in those cases she simply dials them with the 1470 in front of their number and then they CAN see the number she's calling from and take the call!. Perhaps you could try something like this?

"I'm really worried as I've lost all medical and social support anyway because it's all now behind Unknown numbers as well and I'm scared I'm going to lose my benefits as well."

You could also perhaps try this re the organisations you mentioned above. In any case there are some people who cant have phone calls at all for a variety of reasons, for example the completely deaf and those who (though a tiny proportion of people now) who don't have a phone AT ALL! There must be other ways of these people getting medical and social support mustn't there and I believe there must be ways for you to receive such help too. In the first instance I suggest that you, or perhaps someone acting on your behalf, contacts those services - including PIP - to explain about your phone. Alternative arrangements for contact can then be made including perhaps the 1470 method the doctors receptionist uses. I know it's a hassle Bekki but I also know that there's a solution to the issue you raised and I hope you find it soon. When filling out forms, eg for benefits, I hope you also clearly indicate this phone issue so that they are aware of it at an early stage.

Good luck!

Mr B