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(16 Posts)
ninathenana Wed 20-Mar-19 17:22:38

I filled in the on line form a couple of weeks ago to claim my pension which is due to start 9th May.
I had a missed call on my mobile this morning then a text from DWP asking me to call a number different to the one that phoned.
I called the number, it told me I could claim on line then gave me 5 options. I hang on for 13 mins being repeatedly advised at intervals to claim on line as it was quick and simple. I got increasingly frustrated thinking to myself "yes, I know, I have done.
Eventually someone answered. I was expecting her to say there was a query with my application. No, she just went through all the answers I'd given on line and said I would get a letter in the next week or two telling me the amount I would receive.
What is the flipping point of applying on line sad
It was definitely DWP.

moggie57 Wed 20-Mar-19 21:20:43

THEY are a ain in the a**e

moggie57 Wed 20-Mar-19 21:20:56

pain I mean.

maryeliza54 Wed 20-Mar-19 21:40:04

And imagine how you’d feel if these bastards were taking away your only source of income - which they do regularly and maliciously

MissAdventure Wed 20-Mar-19 21:42:08

The wait for universal credit to answer the phone can be over an hour.
Probably because it's such a bloody mess.

maryeliza54 Wed 20-Mar-19 21:44:53

Exactly - hostile environment, deliberate punishment of the disadvantaged by the privileged.

ninathenana Thu 21-Mar-19 07:25:10

Yes, they are a joke.
If they didn't waste time getting you to repeat the info they already have, they would have more time to handle calls from those in need.

Blinko Thu 21-Mar-19 07:32:44

As an ex DWP employee (it was a lot better staffed and more people friendly in my day - I sincerely hope), I must point out that the civil service in all its guises works at the specific behest of the government of the day.

Better training, better qualified staff and good admin/online systems all cost money.

The country is presently being run on a shoestring and it shows.

chloe1984 Thu 21-Mar-19 08:07:20

What Blinko said

MissAdventure Thu 21-Mar-19 08:27:52

I'm sure nobody thinks the staff are responsible.
Its the system which is awful.

maryeliza54 Thu 21-Mar-19 10:31:16

I can’t completely agree with that Miss there are some examples of staff treating claimants very unkindly and sometimes with utter contempt. Only some I know but they are not all helpful

MissAdventure Thu 21-Mar-19 12:06:14

Yes, I've had the pleasure of meeting some of them, sadly.

moggie57 Wed 05-Jun-19 10:43:10

T**t. those people dont know their a**e from their elbow and one department doesnt "talk" to another department .. i hate the appeals .last one i had involved a midwife(no i'm not pregnant) a local doctor and a lawyer.and the bloke who was asking the questions. he said you got a lot of things wrong with you. i looked at him ,and said (have you got a magic wand to make them go away). no i didnt say that.not sure what i was meant to say. total idiots

EllanVannin Wed 05-Jun-19 12:05:47

I've got no time for any of them. Think they know everything and they know nothing.

fizzers Wed 05-Jun-19 12:26:24

I was on the phone for over 2 and a half hours yesterday, trying to sort out my late mother's pension and attendance allowance overpayments, I lost the will to live.....

Willow500 Wed 05-Jun-19 12:55:42

Not the DWP but a couple of months ago I started the process of trying to close a small workplace pension and claim the money. I'm still waiting to be paid. I spent hours on the phone on hold and looking at the phone bill a couple of weeks ago I discovered being 'on hold' has cost me £15! No response to e-mails through their secure mail system. When they finally do pay they will be getting a letter of complaint! angry