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Reviewing Your Benefits and Circumstances Letter

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6 years 3 months ago #203151 by maverick_spirit
Reviewing Your Benefits and Circumstances Letter was created by maverick_spirit
Hello There
I wondered if a moderator could help me here please?

I've received a "We're Reviewing Your Benefits and Circumstances - you must come to an office interview" letter today (interview is at my local JCP "Local Service Compliance" - I've never been called to interview there before for tis or any other reason). This is signed by a compliance officer and came from the DWP in Belfast, PO Box 85. It asks me to bring proof of I.D. and latest bank statements/payslips etc.

My circumstances are as follows:
Recently awarded standard daily living PIP with a review date of October 2020 (3 year award). Previous to this I was on DLA from 2013 to December 2017.

I have been in the ESA Support Group since Jan 2013 and do permitted work, which has always been notified to the DWP in writing with CPN letters backing this as therapeutic work. I also receive an IHR pension, which again I always update them on.

I am a little worried, as there seems no reason to call me in for a complaince review, given that I've always been upfront with them and notified them of changes in my work circumstances.

Also, if they ask about my original ESA claim, to be honest I have nothing to link back to (never took a copy of initial claim), though as stated above changes in my ability to do some work have always been promptly notified and medically backed - I'm naturally concerned that if the question me about my original claim, I'll not be well prepared as I don't have a copy.

Can anyone shed any light as to why I might have been called into a compliance meeting?

Many thanks

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6 years 3 months ago #203171 by Gordon
maverick

From your post this is not described as a compliance meeting so have a look at the following

Interviews at JC+ when in Support Group

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 3 months ago #203212 by maverick_spirit
Replied by maverick_spirit on topic Reviewing Your Benefits and Circumstances Letter
Many thanks Gordon!
From the link you kindly provided - the first thing I need to do is contact my local JCP and ascertain what the meeting is for/whether attendance is mandatory?

The letter is a FESL2 (serial no. given in bottom right hand corner) - I'm not sure if this is significant/if you know what "FESL2" denotes?

Also, the letter states "We need to talk to you about some changes that may affect your benefits payments. You must be available for this interview and have all the information listed on page 1 and 2 with you"..."If you're not available for this interview, your benefit payments will stop" (this last sentence is in bold type - charming, rollseyes) - Again, I'm not sure if this is significant/gives any clues?

Many thanks

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6 years 3 months ago #203223 by Gordon
Maverick

Unfortunately the DWP can suspend payments if claimants do not provide information that has been requested, I doubt that you can avoid the interview, the main thing to consider is whether you want to go to them or them to you.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 3 months ago #203233 by maverick_spirit
Replied by maverick_spirit on topic Reviewing Your Benefits and Circumstances Letter
Many thanks Gordon
I'll phone them up to ascertain the purpose of the meeting, at least that'll allow me to make some kind of informed preparation.
I managed to get through a PIP F2F recently, though it did cause me stress and my attendance was against medical advice, so I guess I'll be able to get through this. And as I've nothing to hide, there's nothing to fear.
Have a happy and peaceful festive season.

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6 years 3 months ago #203235 by Suzy3
Hi Maverick, I received a letter a week ago from a job centre not local to my home informing a visit would be made in 6 days time to check my circumstances and 'review' my benefits.
Letter informed me of a list of requirements for the meeting, passport and other photo ID. Payslips, bank statements, any pension letters.
My visit did take place, lady very pleasant, and informed me it was an Esa review, I saw d really, without me completing and forms or esa50 etc? She was insistent it was a benefit review. I thought it was an 'audit' tho' that not confirmed.
After checking my ID, she stated I was on means tested benefits!
I told her I was not - Contribution Esa in support group. She asked for my bank statements, I said I had not got any, I was asked to show her my online banking. I hesitated and asked her to Check my status re: IR/Contribution Esa.
I intentionally made no conversation and let her lead. She then wanted to know who lived with me, no one. Was my home rented or owned.
I had a folder with every bit of information she required, 2 private pension statements with 2017 updating. She then agreed I was Contribution Esa and there was no need to see bank details!
She said eased ly asked who lived with me, or did I rent a bedroom out - no.
She calculated my income wrote everything In front of me then mentioned 2 of my 3 children's names and said I had made a claim for them, that is odd considering they are 30+ in full time employment and have their own places! She made out there was no forwarding addresses for them, since they are both pay tax and Nics it would not be difficult to find either of them.
It was alright, but be as prepared as you can. Have as many official documents as you can, pension, Pip award, and as you say permitted work agreement etc.
Two days on I have received a letter to say my Esa will not be changed!
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Marry Christmas.

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