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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

benefits being cut and not getting them back - long sorry

22 replies

cantheyreallydothis · 08/09/2015 22:06

Nc for this

DH is receiving ESA in the support group. This means we get a bit more money than the work related activity group and he isn't (currently ) expected to look for work due to I'll health. We get less than some other people however as I work so he is eligible only for the contribution based element and not income based 'top up'. This means we can just about meet our household bills with my wage and his esa as long as we are sensible and keep to a budget without extravagance so we are doing alright for now

When he first claimed (after losing /being unable to hold down his job due to ill health ) he filled in a number of forms and had assessments. He was asked since then to provide things from gp supporting claim, and sent these off no problem. We realise these things are monitored and reviewed.

Last week he receives a letter out of the blue saying he's being investigated and his money will be reduced for an undefined time whilst they complete the investigation.
He completed the form they sent him asking for information and returned it to them but also rang to find out more. He is happy to provide any evidence they need and feels his circumstances haven't changed and happy to cooperate but this has come as a shock and surprise and he is curious as to why.

Basically they said they can't give him any more into about why they are investigating only that they are, and that yes his money will be significantly reduced until complete. He got quite upset by this as feels bad about not being able to contribute much financially as it is.

So here's where we have a problem...
We have no issue with claims and things being reviewed in fact think it is a good thing
I think the idea of an anonymous 'hotline' to report suspicions is (at least in theory ) a good idea (we assume this is why he is being investigated as nothing has changed and they were clear it was an investigation not a review)

What HAS shocked me is that no matter what the outcome of the investigation he will not have any of the money repaid. So we will be out of pocket while they investigate and nothing we can do.

I just don't understand this - we are not on a low enough income to qualify for any other help (hb or council tax benefit or wtc etc) but this reduction will make things really very tight financially.

I don't object to the investigation and to some extent understand the benefit being reduced whilst they do so, however we have no idea how long this will take.
Also if we were found to be claiming fraudulently I would fully expect to have things backdated and expected to pay it back as has been shown in the news where people play the system intentionally but when caught are ordered to repay it but it doesn't seem to apply the other way round - is this really the case? ?

Hubby already suffers with mh issues and anxiety and this is making him get more worked up.

It is possible he misinterpreted things - does anyone in the know have any advice. It's all the harder to plan for as we have no idea how long investigation will take Confused

OP posts:
starfishmummy · 08/09/2015 22:25

Take the letter and any other correspondence to the CAB.
Benefit can be stopped if fraud is suspected. The use of the word investigated sounds like this may be the case. Get some informed help

Original poster
cantheyreallydothis · 08/09/2015 22:31

It was just one letter and he posted it back filled in (I would have photocopied it before sending in but it's gone now - he was so worried about how long it would take he wanted to get it started right away )

I can only imagine he was reported by someone he used to work with (maliciously ) as I can't see any other reason and they won't tell him why

He is already paranoid leaving the house or being seen to enjoy himself for even 5 minutes as when he was working but signed off they complained he had been seen in the supermarket (the first time in days I'd convinced him to leave the house)

I know I may sound whiny but I just feel like it's so unfair they can just do this at the drop of a hat and there is nothing we can do and that we won't get a penny back even when they find we've not done anything wrong Sad

OP posts:
MrsRossPoldark · 08/09/2015 22:40

If you have a Floating Support Service, get to see them asap! Ask your local council or CAB to refer you. It's a free service and they can advise on benefits you may be entitled to whilst you wait and also advise on how long it can take to investigate. There should be no need for you to be penalised whilst they take their time to sort things out.

starfishmummy · 08/09/2015 22:52

There are often sections which talk about what may happen if you do or don't do X or Y. Perhaps he has taken this to mean it will happen?

He could call again when you are there and he can ask them to speak to you if that would be better and you may get the botttom of it.

VelvetKangeroo · 08/09/2015 23:00

I was on esa a few years ago and I had been called in for a review but they didn't cut my money.
I have a feeling they may have something on your husband. Is there anything he could of done wrong?

Original poster
cantheyreallydothis · 08/09/2015 23:09

Thank you all for advice

Velvet - I can honestly think of nothing they may have on hubby - former employers or dwp. Do you mean anything in particular?

He suffers from anxiety and depression to the point of not being able to function some days.
He can't be around people for long
He isn't working
He isn't really doing anything outside of home, hobby or otherwise except we might walk into town on a weekend and I'm trying to get him out the house more eg walking into work with me as he had gained weight and that's making him unhappiest still
It's a battle to get him to even visit family
We have no savings
We have just moved house as can't afford rent on previous place on 1 wage

That's why we have no problem with an investigation as such, we have nothing to hide, just concerned about money being cut

OP posts:
scarlets · 08/09/2015 23:14

They look at tip-offs and investigate the robust ones/those with specific info, especially if they look likely to generate a cost benefit to the taxpayer. So, there will be something specific that's caused them to query this case. It's not random. Can you think of anything ?

scarlets · 08/09/2015 23:15

Sorry - cross post.

pnutter · 08/09/2015 23:21

Sometimes these are admin type 'investigations'
For example they are reviewing certain types of claims or maybe they found a discrepancy from years ago.
All you can do is answer their questions specifically , in writing. And keep pushing for an outcome.

I work in benefits

Dowser · 08/09/2015 23:25

If all else fails there is a fightback4justice forum.

pnutter · 08/09/2015 23:32

And can I just say your husband is allowed to go for a walk go shopping do some exercise. ESA will need sick notes from gp which presumably he has. It doesn't mean he has to stay in bed forever.
I'm pretty disillusioned with the whole system currently because it's basically just bullshit . Thanks to the government. I would always try to pay people quickly as long as the evidence I needed was provided . Ring them. Ask what they need. Get cab involved to help you.

mellowheart · 08/09/2015 23:38

This is why I hate these anonymous fraud hotlines. Too many nosey people too ready to suspect fraud when there isn't any. The massive upheaval and distress which these trouble makers cause is wrong and far too easy for them to do.

calvert777 · 08/09/2015 23:58

I am esa and I don't tell anyone my business not even family too many people these days like to make assumptions about you and your life and especially in recent years the attitude from people to those on sickess benefits are much more negative.

I agree to see CAB but to be honest so many changes to ESA and benefits to make it as punitive as possible such as not being paid esa while under review forcing you to sign on their for claiming you are fit for work only alternative starve!

pnutter · 09/09/2015 00:16

The main thing is get all the info they need from you in asap. Then keep ringing.

Original poster
cantheyreallydothis · 09/09/2015 00:30

Thanks again all

There really is nothing I can see them legitimately being tipped off about as doing nothing wrong.

Will see if we can speak to CAB tomorrow

OP posts:
Becca19962014 · 09/09/2015 00:46

It could just be malicious. It happens unfortunately.

I'm glad you have a CAB in your area. I hope they can help.

Becca19962014 · 09/09/2015 00:51

The anonymous fraud reporting hotline makes malicious reporting far too easy with no way of anyone knowing who made the report and that makes me very Angry as it is too easy to phone on a whim.

Posters have now begun appearing on our local bus services advertising the fraud helpline.

I don't discuss my benefits anymore, I'm too afraid.

Original poster
cantheyreallydothis · 09/09/2015 01:01

Also re pnutter "Sometimes these are admin type 'investigations'
For example they are reviewing certain types of claims or maybe they found a discrepancy from years ago."

It can't be this as he wasn't on it years ago. He's only claimed since mid way this year.

We have recently moved house (he had already phoned and told them this before the letter) any chance it could be about this and we are worrying about nothing ??clutching at straws??

OP posts:
Mermaidhair · 09/09/2015 03:32

I'm sorry I'm in a different country so don't know your system. But I did think could you take your dh to the Drs or even psychologist or psychiatrist saying that this investigation is affecting his mh? It may hurry them up. It is disgusting that you won't be paid during investigation, and you won't be back paid if given the all clear. That would never happen here. It could be anyone being malicious knowing they can stop you being paid and back paid. I really hope it is all sorted out asap. I feel for you, what an awful situation. Flowers

sanfairyanne · 09/09/2015 03:36

www.advicenow.org.uk/articles/what-about-my-benefits

I think they pay them back later. Good luck. Your mp is a good person to contact too

pnutter · 09/09/2015 12:24

You've moved recently ? In my experience yes this could be it. But you need to fund out what they want and provide it before anything will be sorted.

pnutter · 09/09/2015 12:25

Find out even

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