to want more info?

[ButterPie]

I got a letter last week to say that someone from the DWP will be coming round tomorrow to talk to me about an overpayment. No more details. As far as I know, the only DWP benefit that is in my name is my DLA for mental health problems, so surely they should be trying to avoid stress, not leaving me in suspense for a week?

The only other thing I can think of it that we are still getting healthy start vouchers a few weeks after we became too rich to get them, but I did phone and tell them, and the man said that he couldn't change it, he had to just wait for the information that our other benefits had stopped to work it's way through the system, and to spend the vouchers in the meantime.

I'm worried the visitor will shout at us, they have been pretty horrible over the phone (until our MP got involved and pointed out that we were playing by the rules, then they were sweetness itself). Also they won't specify what time they will be here, DD2 has a doctor appointment for her jabs that afternoon, the jabs are already late as I missed the first appointment, so I really don't want to cancel.

Surely they should at least ask if I want a stranger in my house or not? or, because I had to claim benefits, am I now not worth common courtesy?

Surely they should give you a time?

Could you not call them and say that you need a time? and arrange for someone to be there with you?

We Are Coming does sound a bit bully boy.

YANBU, although why anyone would shout at you is beyond me. Can't you phone and find out what time they are planning to come. It does sound odd that they are being so vague.

I worry they are trying to catch me out. For what, I have no idea. Looking happy?

If it was an appointment at, say, a job centre, DP could take an hour off work, we could get someone to mind the kids. As it is, the conversation will have to be held with a demanding baby and a noisy toddler in the chaos that is my house, and DP will have to be at work.

I hate this attitude that somehow being a sahm/benefits claimant means that we are somehow at the beck and call of any agency that fancies bugging us.

I very much doubt anyone will shout at you, in person, in your own home. But being on benefits doesn't mean you lose the right to know when and why DWP staff intend to visit you. Behaving like this is a form of bullying and I would try and make sure you have some sort of advocate with you. A supportive friend, for example. Don't miss your DD's appointment with the doctor either.

If you suffer from mental health / depression issues than maybe its a good idea to have someone to sit in the interview with you , as a bit of support? Or arrange to have the interview in a 3rd party venue, such as a CAB meeting room, to put some more of the power back in your hands?

Good luck, dont let them bully you.

I just feel safe in my house, if that makes sense, and hate the idea of someone picking over it. I think I will ring them.

Ring them and ask for clarification on what the appointment is about, if they ask why say that you want time to dig out the right paperwork, and get everything straight in your mind!