Cheat the system?

I phoned number on incapacity letter to inform them that i had a kidney transplant 4 months previously.The person who answered the call didn't seem interested and said as my circumstances had not changed that would be fine.At my request she said she would put it in my notes.That was a year ago,now i'm worried that i might get accused of being a benifit cheat and be made to pay back all monies involved.Any advice would be welcome.Thanks

elfergo wrote: I phoned number on incapacity letter to inform them that i had a kidney transplant 4 months previously.The person who answered the call didn't seem interested and said as my circumstances had not changed that would be fine.At my request she said she would put it in my notes.That was a year ago,now i'm worried that i might get accused of being a benifit cheat and be made to pay back all monies involved.Any advice would be welcome.Thanks

Hi elf,

Any change in your circumstances should be notified to The DWP in writing, as it may affect the level of benefit that you are in receipt of.

I would do so as soon as possible, keep a copy of the letter.

I would also mention that you have previously telephoned them and that the person that you spoke to stated that they would note it on your files.

I cannot comment on whether this change in circumstances will result in a change to your benefit, however, if it does and you don't inform them this could result in an overpayment.

The DWP would then endeavor to claw back any such overpayment.

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

bro58

I phoned number on incapacity letter to inform them that i had a kidney transplant 4 months previously.The person who answered the call didn't seem interested and said as my circumstances had not changed that would be fine.At my request she said she would put it in my notes.That was a year ago,now i'm worried that i might get accused of being a benifit cheat and be made to pay back all monies involved.Any advice would be welcome.Thanks

You don't state the condition(s) you had to be awarded Incapacity Benefit (IB) prior to your kidney transplant. With IB, a worsening of a condition or a new condition does not count as a change of circumstances. However, an improvement in your health would have to be reported as you may not be awarded enough points to be be paid IB.

You shouldn't worry about being accused of being a benefits cheat since it's a year ago since you contacted the DWP. If they felt that you were, they would have contacted you within a matter of weeks. The DWP JCP Plus who advised you it wasn't a change in circumstances in your particular case was right.

If you are still on IB, at some point between now and March 2014, you will be assessed to see if you can be moved/migrated onto ESA. Those who fail the assessment test will have the option of appealing or claiming jobseeker's allowance.

Hope this helps.