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Acting for a claimant by phone
- ANN
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5 years 9 months ago #235257 by ANN
Acting for a claimant by phone was created by ANN
I have had mixed experiences with Phoning DWP when I am acting for my daughter who is in receipt of PIP and should be in receipt of ESA . My daughter has given me permission to contact the agencies by phone as she finds the procedures and experiences very stressful and it can aggravate seriously her condition . She is quite able to manage her own affairs but finds telephone calls very intimidating so I don't wish to become an official appointee as I don't think it should be necessary. I always have at hand all the security answers ie NI number /bank DOB postcode etc which I am asked for . However some of the DWP staff can be very awkward about giving me the information I/she needs. Any advice would be gratefully received. I live in Cornwall and she lives in Scotland .
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- BIS
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5 years 9 months ago #235263 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Acting for a claimant by phone
Hi Ann
The DWP staff are not necessarily being awkward, it is about data protection and unless they have written confirmation that your daughter has given permission for you to speak on her behalf, they are working within the law not to give you any information. Unfortunately, because you live at other ends of the country you cannot make a call in your daughter's presence where she could confirm that you can speak for her on that single occasion.
I can only suggest that your daughter makes it known to the DWP that the only way she can deal with them is by letter, or see if they will accept you as a representative for her even if you are not an official appointee. This would still need to be confirmed in writing.
BIS
The DWP staff are not necessarily being awkward, it is about data protection and unless they have written confirmation that your daughter has given permission for you to speak on her behalf, they are working within the law not to give you any information. Unfortunately, because you live at other ends of the country you cannot make a call in your daughter's presence where she could confirm that you can speak for her on that single occasion.
I can only suggest that your daughter makes it known to the DWP that the only way she can deal with them is by letter, or see if they will accept you as a representative for her even if you are not an official appointee. This would still need to be confirmed in writing.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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