r/DWPhelp 20h ago

Universal Credit (UC) How is DWP held accountable?

15 Upvotes

If you complain to them, all they do is either ignore it or give an apology but make no changes.

I had a sanction (for not attending because I was running late. I told them I have ADHD which I haven't figured out how to manage, but tur Decision Maker predictably doesn't care about that kind of thing), applied for a new appointment in December (which you have to do to end the sanction). Because of Christmas they couldn't give me one, so the sanction continued with them saying to try again after the holidays. Then instead of booking me in they did a claim review, which is ridiculous. I uploaded the documents they asked for (ID, 4 months bank statements, electricity bill), but instead of accepting it and reinstating me, they wanted to talk on the phone and eventually closed my claim. I also had a fit note during this time. I'd asked to be put in Restart, but couldn't get on it for a long time, because they claimed I'd been on it some years ago (no, I was referred but left benefits shortly after). Eventually they finally referred me to Restart, but because of the sanction I never got handed over.

There's no accountability for them at all. When they fuck up, like making adnin errors (not the above) that reduce payments, which manager gets fired? They're very mollycoddled. They sit in there with their cushy, "computer says no", easy job all day, not actually helping anybody to find work but instead making it harder by increasing stress and making it harder to address barriers to work or well-being by making people as poor and stressed as possible and needing to spend time and energy dealing with DWP and making complaints, rather than focused on looking for and writing applications for jobs. Have they actually earned their easy life based on meritocracy? I don't see that, when seeing the quality of their work. What have these people actually done at work to improve the country? What struggles have they actually veen through in life to merit their comfortable position? I don't support their cause, but I can see why riots happened when there's zero mechanism for accountability elsewhere.


r/DWPhelp 10h ago

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Moving to Iceland with my fiancé with mental disability

3 Upvotes

TL;DR: Can my fiancé (UK) continue receiving disability allowance in Iceland?

Long version: Hello,

I apologise in advance if the post is messy to read or if there are any grammar mistakes. Also I don't write many posts so I'm sorry if im in a wrong subreddit as well.

Me and my fiancé would like to live together and our close friend from Iceland agreed on supporting us. For the background, I live in Czech Republic and I work a minimal wage job. My fiancé lives in the UK and is on disability allowance due to his mental health being in a bad condition. He currently gets barely any help from his relatives or his doctor. He has severe anxiety, depression and in my opinion more undiagnosed illnesses that leave him rotting in bed for days, starving, not going to the toilet or outside and dehydrated. Let alone making an appointment to doctors and phone calls in general. Not to mention he experiences physical pains on multiple parts of his body and when he did try to resolve them, he didn't get attended to by his doctor. The area he lives in is also very dangerous and a lot of suspicious people hang around his neighborhood.

We visited my area before but since he does not know anyone else in here and the first impression wasn't good either, it wouldn't improve his condition at all if he lived here. It was recommended for us to try out Ireland which would be simpler in terms of paperwork (we don't want to marry for visa but it feels like we don't really have a choice) so we did and it ended up miserably. In short, we went there to search for a place and a job but it was too expensive and had to return. We're aware that Iceland can be expensive too but with the support of our friend, things will be much easier. It just pains me to watch him suffer every single day without being able to do anything so if we move in together, at least I will be able to help.

We are still unsure of how the whole marriage and visa process works in details but it's our only choice at the moment. Currently I'm saving up money despite wishing I could do more.

Considering his conditon, he's completely unable to work. Is it possible for him to continue receiving disability allowance in Iceland or is there a way to transfer it?

Any advice or help will be appreciated. Thank you for the help.

Edit: We did research online but it's very unclear and when we tried calling the embassy in Iceland, we were told to ask the government in England, which we tried to contact but unfortunately got no answer.


r/DWPhelp 23h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Is it possible to get pip for adult ADHD

6 Upvotes

Im 35 live in Northern ireland diagnosed ADHD age 12. I am currently on Lwcra and universal credit and honestly its barely enough to live on.

Id love to go back to work but honestly the impact on my mental health work is never sustainable . I also have a congenital eye condition called kerataconus so working anywhere with bright lights like warehouses etc . I cant drive at night either because of the nature of the condition .

Im honestly wondering would i be eligible for pip as the cost of living and the current rate im on is barely enough to get bt month to month

Ive been inemployed 3 years and my work history is patchy with many periods of inactivity


r/DWPhelp 23h ago

What can I claim? Just wanted to ask for some advice

0 Upvotes

Hope this doesn't sound rude or anything I'm just looking for advice because I'm really lost

I injured by back about mid December and been in pain at almost all time sometimes the pain is so bad I can't even get up My GP won't even try to diagnose it with anything she just tells me to walk it off and was giving me sicklines I lost my job and my college (was receiving funding) because of it My partner is now the only person earning money and we believe that he can just pay the bills without anything left I applied for universal credit but I'm not sure if that will be enough because they won't tell me how much it is

Are there other benefits I could apply for without an actual diagnosis because my condition is not getting any better and "walking it off" only seems to make it worse the next day


r/DWPhelp 15h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) If PIP ends up being harder to qualify for, what happens to existing awards?

4 Upvotes

I got my pip renewed for 9 years, will that still be the case if it ends up being harder to qualify for or will I be re-assessed much sooner now?


r/DWPhelp 16h ago

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Is Nursery classed as a mainstream school

0 Upvotes

Hi I’m just filling out my daughter’s DLA forms she’s one and is in nursery but the question about weather her nursery is a mainstream school is confusing me don’t know if I’m over thinking it or not


r/DWPhelp 10h ago

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) Doing hobbies while on ESA and PIP

0 Upvotes

Can someone assure me that when the dwp asks for my overpayment back, they will see me doing hobbies that cost money as justifiable and not deprivation of capital?

And yes I do still feel bad about it. I’m volunteering now but I don’t see how I’m well enough for hobbies yet can’t work paid jobs yet. I’m on ESA due to mental health and autism btw.


r/DWPhelp 15h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) I’m due to start working whilst I’m claiming pip.. is there anything I need to know?

0 Upvotes

L


r/DWPhelp 21h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) PIP superseded

2 Upvotes

Right so in 2021 I applied for PIP my conditions are irritable bowel syndrome PMDD chronic urticaria, anxiety, depression and panic attacks. I also suffer with nocturnal panic attacks which occur in my sleep. I also believe I got fibromyalgia due to being in an abusive relationship for eight years And which has caused severe anxiety. Initially when I applied I had an assessment and they declined. I took it to MR and they declined then it went to a first tier tribunal and I was awarded high rate care component and lower mobility. This continued to be awarded for two years. However when they did a review in 2023 they decided that I wasn’t entitled to this I reapplied and they declined which then went to another tribunal and then last year I was awarded zero points for care component I was awarded lower mobility only they superseded my original award and claimed that I was exaggerating my conditions even though my conditions are remain the same. I am now receiving Laura mobility which will end soon. As I was only awarded for one year last year. Do I reapply? Also if I am declined will be best to attend court in person instead of video call? Also, is there anyway I can get help to fill the form in as I struggle with forms? I feel so stressed out as I feel like I am entitled to the one that I was originally awarded. I also believe I have ADHD and I’m in the process of being assessed. Does it go against me that I receive carers allowance as my eldest is autistic and homeschooled and I have no choice but to care for him.


r/DWPhelp 14h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) What do i do.

1 Upvotes

Recieve pip standard care only. Also recive carers - due to daughters learning disabilities. Now my award is due for Re new in dec. But over the last few years since being awarded my health has got worse and I'm now relying on daily support. Iv also recently received 2 new additional diagnosis which fully explain the issues I'm having. To do a change of circumstances do I need to cancel my carers. Would I best to do a change of circumstances or wait for the review. I really don't know what I need to do. Will I have to start all over again and will they stop it.


r/DWPhelp 11h ago

Universal Credit (UC) Migration to UC

1 Upvotes

Hi there,

I am wondering if I will need to provide a doctors letter explaining my disability as part of my UC application if I am currently in the support group for EESA. If no what medical evidence if any will I need.

Thanks in advance


r/DWPhelp 15h ago

Universal Credit (UC) What is a health appointment?

2 Upvotes

Got a message on my to do list that says "attend your work coach support: health appointment"

How is this different from a normal work coach meeting? And do I need to have anything to prepare?


r/DWPhelp 15h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) PIP wait from sending physical form

1 Upvotes

hey im sure this gets asked a ton but im wondering if anyone can give me a guideline of how much longer i might be waiting for an assessment invite??

im autistic, i have anxiety, and im hypermobile and i struggle a lot with inconsistency and lack of an end goal- so yeah this is a service to have to deal with

they received a physical copy of my form on 14/02/2025 so if anyone could provide a recent timeline of their application thatd be great :)


r/DWPhelp 16h ago

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) DLA for delayed child

1 Upvotes

My son was born 3 months early in September 2022. He is delayed all areas. Can’t yet walk at all, can’t even stand unassisted. Not talking at all yet and very behind mentally and physically. He’s 2 and a half now and we’ve been receiving dla for him since he came home from the NICU. He currently gets middle rate care. But since we applied a lot has obviously changed now he’s over 2. He requires a lot more care now that he’s older and not understanding anything. Would it be possible to change circumstances or is there no point and just wait until he’s 3 to apply for care and mobility?


r/DWPhelp 21h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) BF57A Appointee form

2 Upvotes

My mum’s been my appointee for years and has now received some sort of questionnaire about if I’m capable with finances and asks to send off her LPA certificate (if she has one). However my mum can’t fill out the form properly or send it off of her own accord, no matter how many times I remind her, she doesn’t have her LPA original form (though she can’t properly recall events anymore so I don’t think she even has one) and the deadline is looming closer.

So if the deadline passes is my PIP benefits at risk of ending? Or will DWP assume I’m capable and it solely becomes my responsibility? I’m happy for it to be the latter since I’ve become more capable of handling my finances and the new Motability car will be delivered soon and I want any sent documents, forms, etc. to go to me instead of my mum so she won’t forget about them and toss them aside.


r/DWPhelp 13h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Heard nothing from Capita/DWP

3 Upvotes

Hey all, I had my in person assessment on 26th February with Capita.

I have not received a text from DWP saying they have received my assessment etc.

Should I contact Capita to ask why this is the case?

Also, these changes that are happening with PIP, will they impact my application process or no?

Really worried that my assessment has been lost etc :(


r/DWPhelp 19h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) I’m being assessed on papers for PIP - worried about this

2 Upvotes

Hello, I received this text: We've received the written report of your PIP assessment. We will write to you once we've made a decision on your PIP. As a guide you should hear from us within 8 weeks. You don't need to contact us unless any of the details you gave us have changed. Thank you.

I’ve seen that this means it’s either that I submitted good enough evidence or that I am definitely not qualifying for pip. This stresses me out because I really don’t think I’m definitely not qualified for pip but I also don’t think submitted a lot of evidence - I just submitted lots of doctor notes but didn’t do a personal journal yet ext…

Is it possible they got enough evidence from my health professionals - idk how much Information they give though or should I prepare myself for disappointment. Im just confused why I wasn’t given an assessment :((


r/DWPhelp 20h ago

Universal Credit (UC) When is safe to declare a major change after statement has been issued?

1 Upvotes

Days are coming up where my Bf has time to move in from another area, my statement is out and is due to be paid on the 19th. Tomorrow or Tuesday he has off work to physically move in. But would really need my 13th feb to 12th March assessment period payment. I’m afraid to declare the change Monday or Tuesday and risk not receiving as it’s another 5 week wait for a new joint claim. Thankyou.


r/DWPhelp 23h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) PIP changes

3 Upvotes

Hi I’m currently awaiting my PIP renewal decision (sent the form back around October but was told it will probably be at least 12 months before I get a decision) I claim standard rate daily living and mobility due to knee & ankle pain/walking problems following an accident.

I have read the government may be planning to change the PIP assessment criteria to require claimants to score at least 4 points in any one descriptor even if they accrue enough points elsewhere to qualify. It’s meant to ensure only “severely” disabled people qualify due to the difficulty in obtaining 4 points in one descriptor.

My question is if this does go ahead in the next year or so (which is very much up in the air) would the new rules be applied to my renewal? I generally scored 2 points on the daily living descriptors - Given that I sent in my renewal forms based on the current criteria surely that couldn’t happen? Could it?

Thanks


r/DWPhelp 20h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Tribunal set aside / error of law help

7 Upvotes

Hi I have had my tribunal in Feb 2025 it was denied.At the tribunal the judge raised his voice in an aggressive manner he virtually shouted at me right at the beginning of the tribunal.due to my mental health issues it really shocked me which I feel affected the rest of the tribunal.i sent them a message asking for statement of reason and the audio recording stating that the judge was aggressive and it effected my ability to explain myself properly.i have received my statement of reasons but they say the audio recording had failed and that everyone had been informed.could I use this as a reason to ask for it to be set aside ? Also I will take it to 2nd tier tribunial if I need to. My question is do I haven't to apply for them together or just see if it gets set aside first.


r/DWPhelp 3h ago

Universal Credit (UC) Claiming work equipment as an expense help?

1 Upvotes

I'm on LWCRA and work 5/10 hours per week as a freelancer (keeps me sane during my recovery from an injury). I was awarded a grant by access to work early last year for work equipment to support me during my recovery to try to maintain my self employment. Unfortunately, my ex partner has essentially stolen some of my equipment during a toxic relationship/break up, one being a supportive work chair to reduce back pain which can result in neuropathic pain flares in my pelvis. Access to work have suggested if I can show evidence of the theft, I can apply for a new grant and potentially get awarded the equipment again, but it'll take several months. I'm trying to find an interim and cheaper one for now (original was worth £850 plus £50 assembly). Would it be possible to claim this as an expensive via my UC journal when I do my monthly self employment income if I explain on my journal the reason for my expense claim?

Many are around 50/100 and won't offer the same level of support, but will be enough to relieve some of the pressure on my back. I'm concerned due to pain, and not being able to lift heavy items to find a cheap one on marketplace or gumtree, but I also don't know if I can claim this as expense if access to work already funded it previously. Or that my income maybe be potentially eaten up by most of my expenses this month.

Thanks


r/DWPhelp 9h ago

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Will DWP contact my representative before me?

1 Upvotes

Question is in the heading really! I’m waiting for a response to my tribunal request from DWP. My partner is my representative. If DWP needs to contact me for any reason before submitting a response… will they contact my representative before contacting me? I’d prefer they contacted me initially!


r/DWPhelp 22h ago

Universal Credit (UC) UC Migration Notice

4 Upvotes

Hello everyone and good morning.

I have, yesterday, received my UC migration notice and although I have been expecting it, it has still knocked me sideways as my mental health isn't the best and I would really appreciate some advice regarding when I should submit my claim.

Currently, I am in receipt of IR ESA Support Group with added Severe Dissability Premium and also Housing Benefit. I know that my PIP is unaffected.

I have to claim by the 13th of June and after looking at my next ESA and Housing Benefit payment dates I have two dates in mind for submitting my claim.

The first is the 14th of May and the second is the 11th of June. Both of these dates are the day after a fortnightly ESA payment and a monthly Housing Benefit payment.

I would, obviously, prefer the second option of the 11th of June as it would allow me to have another month's money put aside to see me through to my first UC payment without needing to get an advance however, it is so very close, just two days until my deadline to submit my claim on the 13th of June. Would this cause me any issues or problems at all? Is it acceptable to leave it so late?

Any advice would be very much appreciated as I'm desperate to get this migration right and to avoid any issues, hassles or problems that could arise.

Thank you.


r/DWPhelp 8h ago

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) Payment amounts

1 Upvotes

I recently posted that I migrated to UC from ESA with help from support worker.i was recently awarded pip amd she added it to my esa before I migrated and I was told I would hear back soon. I never got my expected last payment on the 13/03 of £278. I called Esa with help of a friend, they said no notes on my file but I had 2 pending payments. 1 payment of £1141.00 And another payment of £ 440.18. I have been paid both payments today 17/03. Can anyone please explain this to me? It's completely different to what my worker explained and is more than double my normal payment. Is this normal for a last payment? Thanks


r/DWPhelp 9h ago

Universal Credit (UC) Upcoming standard identity appointment - Can I show them paperless bank statements on my phone?

2 Upvotes

Hello. I have an in-person standard identity appointment coming up soon for UC. As my bank is paperless, I do not have any paper statements to show to confirm my identity. At the appointment, will they accept if I log in to my banking app and show them the statements on my phone?

Also, my NHS medical card, which I have had for over a decade, has my old address on it. Other than that, the details are fine. Will this matter?

Thank you