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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

We're reviewing your benefits and circumstances letter from DWP

19 replies

Lostalldirection · 01/08/2018 09:52

Sorry posting here for traffic because I'm in an absolute panic!

Long story short - I have worked full time for 25 years, good salary PAYE etc, never claimed anything up until 11 months ago when I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave and had a drastic change in circumstances at the same time. Since then I have been claiming but fully intend to go back to work full time very soon.

I have just received a letter that's headed 'We're reviewing your benefits and circumstances' and it's thrown me in to a panic, this letter is different to the others I have received. Over the last 11 months I've had to attend two other meetings plus a return to work training session (which resulted in them telling me they couldn't help me because they don't normally help people who have a career and are so capable of finding their own jobs).

I don't need to be berated for having to claim help at the moment. I've never claimed before and it will be short term.

But just wondering if anyone has received this letter and their experience of the meeting? The letter has quite an accusatory tone about it.

OP posts:

Shortstuff08 · 01/08/2018 09:54

Isn't it just the 12 month review?

OnlyTheWelshCanCwtch · 01/08/2018 09:55

Is it an Annual Review letter (AV1) ?
Just fill it in and send it back
Its just making sure theres been no changes

Original poster

Lostalldirection · 01/08/2018 10:20

Thanks for replying.

I've looked on the letter it doesn't say AV1 anywhere and it didn't come with any forms to complete.

It states 'You must come to an office interview. We need to talk to you about some changes that may affect your benefits payments'. I don't know if this standard language but I'm really panicking. I hate claiming benefits and I'm already really struggling with having to explain my personal circumstances to strangers. I want to go back to work, I intend to go back to work, I just can't afford wrap around care for one child and full time nursery for another.

OP posts:

RKSM · 01/08/2018 10:23

Is your area about to change over to Universal Credit? From the wording the changes sound like they are at their end not yours and this would follow if it is changing to UC.

Bombardier25966 · 01/08/2018 10:34

If it is a Universal Credit change, do not agree to anything until you've checked with CAB that you won't be worse off. Unless you have a change in circumstances they cannot make you change your claim (at this time).

It's not clear without seeing the letter, but it sounds like a random compliance check. It's nothing to worry about if your claim is in order.

Pengggwn · 01/08/2018 10:39

The writers of these letters really do talk to people like shit, don't they.

Anxious2niteaaah · 01/08/2018 10:43

Op i once got a letter that said similar and my money was even reduced...I called them up and spoke to them on the phone and said nothing at all has changed and it was all sorted out easily....call them up and ask why you have received the letter,

Queenofthestress · 01/08/2018 10:45

Call them up and ask, I had it when I went on carers after working, it was just to check I was getting everything I should be

WiddlinDiddlin · 01/08/2018 11:05

Yep this is what it is like, worrying letter with accusatory tones and unclear waffle or nonsensical content.

I think the experience is designed to be SO aversive you never claim anything again.

Hont1986 · 01/08/2018 11:16

What benefit are you claiming? If it's ESA then it might just be that you are coming to the end of your 12 months of contribution-based benefit, and they need you to switch to the income-based version. But they wouldn't need an office appointment to do that...

I'd suggest taking the letter to your nearest CAB, or calling the general enquiry number for your benefit and seeing if they can explain what it is about.

GinandGingerBeer · 01/08/2018 11:19

It sounds like a compliance letter. Don't worry, as long as everything is declared it's just to check you're on the right benefits.

MaintainTheMolehill · 01/08/2018 11:22

Don't be so hard on yourself that you're claiming benefits op. We have been through this when my dh was made redundant and the letters seemed to be worded to cause the most panic. Give them a call and find out, I'm sure there is a simple explanation.

Herja · 01/08/2018 11:26

I had one of these! I rang up in a panic because the offered appointment was one it was impossible to go to and I needed to rearrange. That man I spoke to said it was just to check everything was correct, that it was nothing to worry about and was able to do it over the phone there and then.

Give them a call.

Original poster

Lostalldirection · 02/08/2018 16:21

Thank you everyone for replying. I had my meeting cancelled due to staff shortages. I googled Compliance Officer and it came up it's part of the fraud team which has really made me panic. Apparently these meetings can be the result of a fraud investigation or random selection. I spent most of last night in a total panic because I have two utility bills still in joint name and I've realised the TV licence is solely in his name.

We separated due to his mental health not because of an affair or anything so I suppose I haven't had that urge to 'erase' him off everything. I can't go into too much but as a result of a downturn in his work, his finances spiralled into debt (hidden!), he then found having two very small children and the financial responsibilities overwhelming, started being treated for depression, felt he couldn't cope, had a breakdown and I ended up having to bankroll us until all my savings had gone (£15k) and I was in debt myself. This all happened whilst I was on maternity leave and at the same time as I was being made redundant!

Maintain - its hard not to be hard on myself because somehow I've gone from being completely independent, good job, good salary, financially stable etc to redundant, claiming benefits and possibly being investigated!

OP posts:

Original poster

Lostalldirection · 02/08/2018 16:25

I've tried calling the number on the letter twice and I just get an answerphone which really doesn't help. I've asked if they can call me back but of course no one has.

OP posts:

Cavycavaprosecco · 02/08/2018 16:27

Louise3434 · 13/11/2018 20:20

Can someone help me finding it very hard had sane letter and scared as single mum

UsernamesGone · 06/03/2020 00:36

I'm on ESA in support group and got this letter three years ago and it turned out that someone had reported me as fit for work because I was doing volunteering. I sorted it out easily, they just said I need to report these things. This week I got exactly the same letter and am v anxious again. I've been doing some college courses and don't want to have to go through all that with them. It makes me feel ill. I can't cope with any pressure. I can't wait two weeks to go to the interview.

Thelnebriati · 06/03/2020 01:08

The thing to remember is they don't have any evidence of any wrongdoing, if they had your benefits would have been cut already.

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