A friend has asked me to ask this question
He put in a claim for PC on the 13th March 2013 received by the Pension service on the 18th, but didn't send any evidence in supporting the claim (income from other sources etc) - He didn't know what they wanted - it took all of his time & energy to fill out the form!!
They attempted to set up a home visit to verify the evidence for the 19th April. He contacted the visiting team and told them that he would not be available on that date.
The visiting team left a message for him a day later and said that they had returned the file to the Pension Service for them to do 'whatever they wish'.
Today he has had a telephone call from the Pension Service wanting to know why he had cancelled the appointment. He again told them that it wasn't convenient and that they weren't prepared to make another appointment.
The Pension Service said that they would send out a letter listing what they wanted to see and that it all must be returned by the 18th April. He explained that he would have to get the information about his pensions from the providers (8) and couldn't guarantee that the evidence would be with them by the 18th.
He was told in no uncertain terms that if all isn't sent in his claim would be closed.
He asked if he could have a visit from the DWP once the letter arrives and was told that it wouldn't be possible.
As it is the 9th now and the letter detailing exactly what they want hasn't been sent by them yet, I feel that it is totally unfair to put this pressure on an old guy that is trying his best.
Do the Pension Service always put this pressure on people? Shouldn't they allow the month to send what they want after telling him exactly what is required?
What rights does he have to tell them that it is unfair on a 73 year old?
If the claim is closed can he take it to a Tribunal as the Pension service are being too heavy handed?
I have spoken to AGEUK on his behalf this afternoon and all they would say that legally they are correct, but that they have never heard of this level of pressure being applied before (they have cases that are months old and still waiting for evidence
He put in a claim for PC on the 13th March 2013 received by the Pension service on the 18th, but didn't send any evidence in supporting the claim (income from other sources etc) - He didn't know what they wanted - it took all of his time & energy to fill out the form!!
They attempted to set up a home visit to verify the evidence for the 19th April. He contacted the visiting team and told them that he would not be available on that date.
The visiting team left a message for him a day later and said that they had returned the file to the Pension Service for them to do 'whatever they wish'.
Today he has had a telephone call from the Pension Service wanting to know why he had cancelled the appointment. He again told them that it wasn't convenient and that they weren't prepared to make another appointment.
The Pension Service said that they would send out a letter listing what they wanted to see and that it all must be returned by the 18th April. He explained that he would have to get the information about his pensions from the providers (8) and couldn't guarantee that the evidence would be with them by the 18th.
He was told in no uncertain terms that if all isn't sent in his claim would be closed.
He asked if he could have a visit from the DWP once the letter arrives and was told that it wouldn't be possible.
As it is the 9th now and the letter detailing exactly what they want hasn't been sent by them yet, I feel that it is totally unfair to put this pressure on an old guy that is trying his best.
Do the Pension Service always put this pressure on people? Shouldn't they allow the month to send what they want after telling him exactly what is required?
What rights does he have to tell them that it is unfair on a 73 year old?
If the claim is closed can he take it to a Tribunal as the Pension service are being too heavy handed?
I have spoken to AGEUK on his behalf this afternoon and all they would say that legally they are correct, but that they have never heard of this level of pressure being applied before (they have cases that are months old and still waiting for evidence