I am always banging on about sending documents recorded next day, making sure they can't wiggle, etc.
I thought I'd just share my story with you, to emphasise it:
16th August - DLA renewal sent by Next Day Delivery; Delivery confirmed on 17th August.
Monday 11th October - Phoned DLA to ask for progress. Am told that DD awarded HRC/HRM from 03/12/10, decision made on Monday 4th October. Ask why it isn't from 17/08/10, and am told that would be a 'supercession' not a 'renewal', so must wait for the letter, then phone again. MISTAKE 1 -never rely on a phone call.
Friday 15th October - Received Decision letter.
Thursday 21st October - Phoned DLA and asked for DLA reconsideration due to start date. Spoke to a very reassuring chap, who said that they would call back the papers and have a look, then they would phone me next week. MISTAKE 2 - don't believe the reassuring chap on the phone.
(I think) Thursday 28th October (or thereabouts, anyway) - Phoned for an update. Lovely woman said that she could see on her screen that the paperwork was recalled, and it was being prepared for a decision maker to have another look. MISTAKE 3 - don't believe the lovely woman on the phone who may well have simply lied to get you off the phone.
NOW FOR THE BIGGEST LESSON, CHILDREN...
Thursday 25th November 2010 - Phoned DLA to ask for an update, and NO RECORD IS HELD of any phone call, any contact, any request for reconsideration.
NO RECORD IS HELD of any action being taken.
NO RECORD IS HELD of DD1's bundle being recalled from storage. NADA.
So, we are technically out of time. The very lovely lady on the phone didn't know what has happened. She said that she has rarely seen a screen so blank. Nothing. Just the decision on 4/10/10.
She was utterly lovely. Gave me her full name. Her direct dial phone line, and is going to ask the storage to FAX DD1's bundle over to her.
I said 'but I sent in 26 supporting documents, it will cost you a bomb!' and she said 'not your problem!'.
She has promised to phone me by Tuesday, and she personally is going to look at it. If she hasn't phoned me, I can phone her. She said the calls are all recorded, so if necessary they might have to trawl back through.
I am DEVASTATED. For once, I didn't follow my own 'code'. I was right to bang on about it. It is essential.
Gutted just isn't the word. No emoticon can match how I feel, so I will just use words.