Amazing day! Just last week my wife and I were sitting in a CAB office with an advisor who couldn't get the DWP to say which office was dealing with my claim. Despite several letters since Sept last year, including complaints, we'd only received 1 reply. This was from a very nice and friendly sounding chap but his attitude changed when we insisted that we needed written replies to our queries and complaints. He then sent a stupid letter saying he couldn't answer for other offices and made a few comments which we are seeking professional advice about as they appear to indicate a policy is in place that is outwith the law and against the Will of Parliament. (I know some feel this is a dead end but I've been advised that the Will of Parliament is an extremely forceful concept that can be used).
So, not sure if asked for reconsideration was taking place, no idea where to send appeal to and just had the big finger from a DWP decision maker. Not much hope left. A lot of you will know just how awful all that feels. TODAY! A letter saying reconsideration has taken place and that I'm out of WRAG and in the Support Group!!!!!!!!!!
Second letter from my GP saying my health was threatened and explaining why she thought that was, made all the difference. Exemptions under reg 29 and 35 ARE valid. If you think these apply then ask your Dr. to write. We made a pro forma letter based on one seen on the Black Triangle web site, provided LIMITED 'background reading' including the regs and how they should be read (taken from same site). She said that as we had done all the work she would charge only £20 for clerical expenses. I've heard of some Drs. charging £150!
One interesting phrase in the letter I got today, in fact the key phrase is "A non functional descriptor has been applied as a result of the cumulative affect of your conditions."
They also sent the Medical Report Form from the first decision ie the one that put me in the WRAG. Several errors but one VERY interesting comment. Under PROGNOSIS it simply says "I advise that work is unlikely within 2 yrs". So, a HCP doesn't think my conditions will allow me to be ready for work within the next 2 yrs. However, they advise that I'm put in a group with the expected (demanded?) outcome of being employable within a year! Anybody else had this GAP YEAR in their information?
I'm over the moon but it's tinged with sadness as I know that many folk haven't got the rulings they are legally entitled to. I need a break from all this horror but am determined to continue gathering evidence in order to stop this abhorrent and discriminatory abuse of legislation. NO, I'm not saying I think the legislation is fair if applied as written, it clearly isn't, but making the Government apply it's own laws correctly is, I feel, the first step to getting some sense into the system. Keep fighting and keep your hopes alive, this morning I was in the same dreadful place as most of you are. My place is getting better, may yours do so too. YORKIST
So, not sure if asked for reconsideration was taking place, no idea where to send appeal to and just had the big finger from a DWP decision maker. Not much hope left. A lot of you will know just how awful all that feels. TODAY! A letter saying reconsideration has taken place and that I'm out of WRAG and in the Support Group!!!!!!!!!!
Second letter from my GP saying my health was threatened and explaining why she thought that was, made all the difference. Exemptions under reg 29 and 35 ARE valid. If you think these apply then ask your Dr. to write. We made a pro forma letter based on one seen on the Black Triangle web site, provided LIMITED 'background reading' including the regs and how they should be read (taken from same site). She said that as we had done all the work she would charge only £20 for clerical expenses. I've heard of some Drs. charging £150!
One interesting phrase in the letter I got today, in fact the key phrase is "A non functional descriptor has been applied as a result of the cumulative affect of your conditions."
They also sent the Medical Report Form from the first decision ie the one that put me in the WRAG. Several errors but one VERY interesting comment. Under PROGNOSIS it simply says "I advise that work is unlikely within 2 yrs". So, a HCP doesn't think my conditions will allow me to be ready for work within the next 2 yrs. However, they advise that I'm put in a group with the expected (demanded?) outcome of being employable within a year! Anybody else had this GAP YEAR in their information?
I'm over the moon but it's tinged with sadness as I know that many folk haven't got the rulings they are legally entitled to. I need a break from all this horror but am determined to continue gathering evidence in order to stop this abhorrent and discriminatory abuse of legislation. NO, I'm not saying I think the legislation is fair if applied as written, it clearly isn't, but making the Government apply it's own laws correctly is, I feel, the first step to getting some sense into the system. Keep fighting and keep your hopes alive, this morning I was in the same dreadful place as most of you are. My place is getting better, may yours do so too. YORKIST