Happy Christmas Department of Work and Pensions

Nonna1949, sadly I'm neither shocked nor surprised; there are very many people who get caught out by DWP decisions that seem deliberately crass or stupid. More worrying is the lack of a 'joined up' service for people with mental health problems who frequently are left floundering in this sort of situation.

Aw. Letter from her doctor? Get "landlord" to write in outrage to MP as well?
This is just shocking.

Not in my experience, jeni, but it's certainly worth asking. Otherwise a crisis loan from the social fund might be feasible.

ESA is payed at a reduced rate while the appeal goes through. I wonder if its the same for co-habitation? Worth asking.

I'm so sorry about your daughter's situation, Nonna. People who have not had to depend on benefits find it hard to believe that anyone can actually have everything stopped and be left with no income while it's sorted out. If you can bear it, local radio and local press can sometimes be a way of getting bureaucracy to focus. I hope it is resolved quickly.

Thanks for the suggestion to contact her local MP and for the information about the writetothem.com website. My daughter's on the case! The queue for the CAB went round the block when she went there yesterday so she gave up on that, temporarily. As I write, she's getting the appeal form from the Job Centre and hopes they will send it off for her today. I find it extraordinary that the DWP would make a decision that is inevitably going to increase the pressure on someone who they know has a longterm mental health problem. I really appreciate your support. I'm feeling a mixture of anger at the system and the injustice of it all and sadness that our society has come to this.

How about the man threatens to sue for libel - but seriously this is unbelievable- had she been to local CAB?

Absurd, even by DWP standards which are the lowest of the low. I'd advise writing a letter and stating that it is to be taken as an appeal against the decision and sending a copy, with a covering letter, to her MP.
this is a link to how to appeal.

I agree with phoenix gracesm knows what I think of DWP decisions!

I'm with phoenix on this - how stupid, petty and totally c**p. Some jobsworth is no doubt patting him or herself on the back for their brilliant work [spit] emoticon. Good advice, jessM hope it works and the said MP is not off on his extended skiing or whatever holiday. Ami getting cynical in my old age? (Don't answer that)

She should immediately write to her MP. It is very easy on the site writetothem.com You just put in your postcode and it finds the MP for you and then it emails it off.
MPs always follow up in my experience (even when someone is complaining about a private employer !)
And in they public sector people tend to "jump" if an MP has contacted them about a consitituent's problem.
The website keeps track of response rates etc.

Bastards! (excuse my language)

An all too familiar story I'm afraid.

My father have had similar experiences.

Hope it gets sorted out sooner rather than later.

How awful for your daughter, Nonna, and at this time of year too! I hope it gets sorted out soon. There's sure to be a wise gran or two on here who understands the system, and can offer some practical advice!

Oh dear! Bureaucracy on the rampage.