The advice thread for random problems #2

[Cheapseats]

The advice about appealing DWP pip is good. I used to work volunteer for a rights group in 90s. Appeal the decision. I have also claimed these extra benefits in the latter half of the 2000s. I was knocked back for long term sick and appealed and got it. They backdated payments.

In more recent years the local councils took over the delivery of many rights clinics. If you pop into your housing office and ask about welfare rights advice they may sort you out with an appointment where someone should assist you to complete forms. When filling in the forms base how you cope on your worst day not when you feeling more able. As people do tend to up talk their level of coping.

Scratchy noises could be anything.

Bin situation in flats ..the councils can be dismissive I'd get citizen advice to write to council on your behalf. Or your local councillor. If you email them and explain they may help. Pester them if need be.

Finally if after a month your bin situation isnt sorted write to council and say you are notifying them of the bin issue and that it is impacting your mental health and you require them to find a solution immediately. Even if they have to send someone out to collect bagged refuse they should as this is not acceptable that you suffer because of selfish neighbours.

 

[Bobbleowl90]

Anyone had a default removed?

I have a credit card with not very much on it. Been paying £300 a month to clear it, minimum payment is only £10 a month. I did have a direct debit set up but make manual payments instead which overwrite the direct debit. Didn’t overpay this month so waited for the direct debit. Today I received a notice of default sums letter and I’ve been charged for a late payment and the direct debit isn’t showing in my direct debits no more but I’ve not cancelled it. I’m really fretting and spent over 2 hours on the phone on hold but they cut me off at closing time.

ETA : I have confirmation of direct debit set up on my paperless statements section online.

 

[HoGi]

Anyone had a default removed?

I have a credit card with not very much on it. Been paying £300 a month to clear it, minimum payment is only £10 a month. I did have a direct debit set up but make manual payments instead which overwrite the direct debit. Didn’t overpay this month so waited for the direct debit. Today I received a notice of default sums letter and I’ve been charged for a late payment and the direct debit isn’t showing in my direct debits no more but I’ve not cancelled it. I’m really fretting and spent over 2 hours on the phone on hold but they cut me off at closing time.

ETA : I have confirmation of direct debit set up on my paperless statements section online.

When did the last direcr debit come out?

I think if nothing is taken by DD for 6 months it is basically cancelled as you haven't authorised if that makes sense?

I only know this as I frequently pause my contact lenses but they won't let you pause for more than 6 months as it cancels the DD. So you can do 5 months then pay a month then pause again but not 7 months straight.

 

[Bobbleowl90]

When did the last direcr debit come out?

I think if nothing is taken by DD for 6 months it is basically cancelled as you haven't authorised if that makes sense?

I only know this as I frequently pause my contact lenses but they won't let you pause for more than 6 months as it cancels the DD. So you can do 5 months then pay a month then pause again but not 7 months straight.

It’s meant to be monthly. I do usually pay it manually but surely if they were to cancel it they have to inform me? :/ I have paid the amount as soon as I’ve received the letter but really worried about a late payment on my credit file and a default as we’ve literally gone to view a house we love today

 

[pinkmug]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

Can you install extra external locks on the door? You can try the door stoppers with alarms, I haven't used them myself but I've seen them suggested before.
Amazon product

I'd also suggest motion sensor lights for the outside of that door.

 

[HoGi]

It’s meant to be monthly. I do usually pay it manually but surely if they were to cancel it they have to inform me? :/ I have paid the amount as soon as I’ve received the letter but really worried about a late payment on my credit file and a default as we’ve literally gone to view a house we love today

You will need to check what the credit card companies direcr debit dormancy rule is.

But I would think you have a good chance of getting the charge cancelled as you have evidence you thought the direct debit was still active.

I would give them a ring to discuss.

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Another vote here for appealing the PIP if your claim is rejected the first time. I had to apply for it for my son, who is autistic and has ADHD and diagnosed anxiety. He needs a lot of help day to day with regard to being prompted to manage his personal care needs etc, he's unable to manage money and at the time of applying was being assessed for supported living accommodation. The initial claim was rejected with them scoring him ZERO in every category. I appealed, sending a further 25 pages of typed evidence along with statements from medical professionals and other members of the family who knew about the level of care he needed and the original decision was overturned.

The whole process was incredibly time consuming and emotionally draining but worth it in the end. It still makes me rage that people who are already disadvantaged by illness or disability are being forced to jump through these ridiculous hoops to get the support they need.

 

[becca7721]

Thankyou for your replies. Our council is still closed due to covid and getting through is extremely difficult; CAB said they need proof of needs and there is no other Dr. I’m very rural, one dr one surgery. I was turned down for disability benefits as GP and social worker said I’m better. I can’t get through to dwp as can’t answer their security questions (I struggle with phones, something GP and CAB won’t accept). There’s no help with forms CAB just said go online, or get family/friends to do them as they’re hours away (I’m too ill to travel) and can only offer one session for two hours which isn’t enough. DWP aren’t going to give me benefits just on my say so and we’ve had high profile fraud cases here, CAB ‘helped’ with the claims both times so now very wary of being involved (two were working full time whilst claiming to be housebound, unable dress or function - all untrue).

Our SS don’t do complex needs my assessment with involved being told to choose either mental or physical health and the referred for ‘socialising’ Which I’ve no functioning for. Mind we’re useless telling me to go to their centre (hours away, upstairs and very expensive). They won’t help non members. I’ve less than £80 a week for everything I can’t be paying 10% of my income to them, even if bank would allow me to.

Anyway thankyou for all the advice, and, kindness.

 

[Little Fluffy Clouds]

I just spent the past few days helping a relative fill in an appeal for PIP after it was originally rejected. Please appeal the decision. The DWP has admitted to falsely rejecting 80,000 people in 2022. The assessors themselves aren’t even medical doctors. If you appeal your case will be looked over by another independent person and another medical professional if it has to go to a tribunal. Personally I think they do it deliberately because it does take a lot of emotional energy to appeal and they’re hoping the majority of people will just give up.

Someone else here also pointed me to two facebook groups which were helpful. Can you contact your local Citizens advice? For help with the disability benefits? If you search on facebook the name of the benefit + support group you will find it. I believe you and that you’re not faking it. You’re entitled to support you deserve.

My sister’s building doesn’t even surprisingly have any bins outside. Just for recycling. We have just started going up the road to use the local bins on the high street. I would suggest contacting the landlord and asking for a bin for yourself. One which can be locked.

The hoarding isn’t your fault. I know it’s easy to be overwhelmed, but could you ask for help from family or friends?

I am also sorry to hear of the pain and challenges that you are experiencing.

As others have suggested, please do try to reach out to other services.

I have challenged a PIP appeal recently and I struggle to do on my own and am fairly isolated. A local charity referred me to welfare society, who come under the local council. Met a gentleman last Wednesday who spent time going over referral to tribunal. He will advocate for me if go to tribunal. Hope there is someone within your locality who can help.

Also, as mentioned previously, the DWP are going hardcore with refusals. There was a recent article, I will see if I can find it tomorrow, that states cases that go to tribunal, are being signed off with the same evidence that DWP had.

Sending you love, strength and positivity. It isn't fair but we do have the right to ask for help and hopefully we can all help you some. Sounds like the people/system are failing you.

Take care x

 

[becca7721]

Thanks for the reply. I don’t have any chance with no medical support, the only charity was CAB, three month wait to be told no because my gp and social worker say I’m better and they won’t risk further bad publicity - the court for appeals is other end of county too. Theres no other welfare help, I’ve no money to join any kind of website for help or mind.

I can’t do it myself as my device is too old to be updated to link to any others e.g. I can’t print and my email no longer works. It’s over ten years old now. Not even the local council website works anymore which means Ive lost out on £200 towards cost of electric as it’s online only.

I’m sorry for complaining so much, I appreciate you listening to me.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

Thanks for the reply. I don’t have any chance with no medical support, the only charity was CAB, three month wait to be told no because my gp and social worker say I’m better and they won’t risk further bad publicity - the court for appeals is other end of county too. Theres no other welfare help, I’ve no money to join any kind of website for help or mind.

I can’t do it myself as my device is too old to be updated to link to any others e.g. I can’t print and my email no longer works. It’s over ten years old now. Not even the local council website works anymore which means Ive lost out on £200 towards cost of electric as it’s online only.

I’m sorry for complaining so much, I appreciate you listening to me.

What do you mean your councils website doesn’t work?!

There can’t just be 1 single doctor in your GP practise. That’s not feasible even in a remote rural area.

Have you been and spoken to the local benefits office?

 

[becca7721]

What do you mean your councils website doesn’t work?!

There can’t just be 1 single doctor in your GP practise. That’s not feasible even in a remote rural area.

Have you been and spoken to the local benefits office?

If I go to their website the message reads ‘the version of safari you are using is no longer supported. Update your device or use another browser’ - the other browsers aren’t supported either. It’s the same with increasing numbers of websites. Unfortunately web developers don’t think of people using older devices or for that matter readers. I have difficulties here too with unknown errors but so far I can still access it. Possibly I didn’t explain myself properly. Sorry.

Many rural practices have one or two GPs, under special management by health board in wales; I know there’s special arrangements when they aren’t in with the nearest drop in centre GPs (in England, three hours away). There are floating clinics for things like diabetes/women’s health every few months from elsewhere. Many cannot travel to other surgeries.

The local benefits office is in Llanelli. Two counties away and at least six hour journey which I cannot do; the furthest I’ve been since injury in lockdown is half a mile; can no longer manage transport. The local offices all closed years ago. The only jobcentre in my county is still closed as well to visitors. The telephone number is for Llanelli there is no access to the local one, even by letter.

 

[no-no]

It’s meant to be monthly. I do usually pay it manually but surely if they were to cancel it they have to inform me? :/ I have paid the amount as soon as I’ve received the letter but really worried about a late payment on my credit file and a default as we’ve literally gone to view a house we love today

I experienced something similar recently. I checked the app and seen a late payment charge about 5 days after the due date. I was devastated, it was a mixup with dates and paid immediately. Called them and they removed the charge and kept the 0% interest rate. If you’ve done it before the next statement is generated you should be fine. There’s usually a period of 30-60 days before they report late payments. My provider had a tool to say whether it would appear on the credit file and he said it wouldn’t, but I still worry it will pop up. If you struggle to get through press the option to speak to the financial help team, that’s how I got mine sorted.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

If I go to their website the message reads ‘the version of safari you are using is no longer supported. Update your device or use another browser’ - the other browsers aren’t supported either. It’s the same with increasing numbers of websites. Unfortunately web developers don’t think of people using older devices or for that matter readers. I have difficulties here too with unknown errors but so far I can still access it. Possibly I didn’t explain myself properly. Sorry.

Many rural practices have one or two GPs, under special management by health board in wales; I know there’s special arrangements when they aren’t in with the nearest drop in centre GPs (in England, three hours away). There are floating clinics for things like diabetes/women’s health every few months from elsewhere. Many cannot travel to other surgeries.

The local benefits office is in Llanelli. Two counties away and at least six hour journey which I cannot do; the furthest I’ve been since injury in lockdown is half a mile; can no longer manage transport. The local offices all closed years ago. The only jobcentre in my county is still closed as well to visitors. The telephone number is for Llanelli there is no access to the local one, even by letter.

Can I ask, what exactly is causing you to not be able to travel at all? How do you get shopping/attend appointments etc?

You can write a letter to the job centre in Llanelli.

 

[becca7721]

Can I ask, what exactly is causing you to not be able to travel at all? How do you get shopping/attend appointments etc?

You can write a letter to the job centre in Llanelli.

View attachment 1654078

I can no longer get in car/taxi due to deterioration in my (rare, hence not naming it) condition which causes chronic (and sometimes severe) pain and other associated pain conditions from loss of medical/social care and treatment due to covid restrictions. Still wearing same clothes from then, no wash in years. I can’t get to appointments (except via private ambulance which I cannot afford as nhs transport here is virtually impossible to get with medical support and I’ve none), shopping from corner shop, meds from pharmacy next door to shop. On days I’m too ill to do that I go without/eat from hoard.

I wrote to that address months ago, sorry should have said!

There’s no delivery here for food, for meds it’s strictly for those 24/7 housebound and end of life care only.

Ps sorry this is all over the place reply. Not well today.

 

[BettyCrockerr]

I can no longer get in car/taxi due to deterioration in my (rare, hence not naming it) condition from loss of medical/social care and treatment due to covid restrictions. Still wearing same clothes from then, no wash in years. I can’t get to appointments (except via private ambulance which I cannot afford as nhs transport here is virtually impossible to get with medical support and I’ve none), shopping from corner shop, meds from pharmacy next door to shop. On days I’m too ill to do that I go without/eat from hoard.

I wrote to that address months ago, sorry should have said!

There’s no delivery here for food, for meds it’s strictly for those 24/7 housebound and end of life care only.

None of this is making sense. What medical condition do you have? Just name it - I don’t understand why you wouldn’t?
if you are unwell to the point you haven’t washed in 2 years you need serious help. Why haven’t you washed?! I can’t see any Doctor knowing all of the above would just turn you away and refuse to help you. There’s more to this.

 

[becca7721]

I experienced something similar recently. I checked the app and seen a late payment charge about 5 days after the due date. I was devastated, it was a mixup with dates and paid immediately. Called them and they removed the charge and kept the 0% interest rate. If you’ve done it before the next statement is generated you should be fine. There’s usually a period of 30-60 days before they report late payments. My provider had a tool to say whether it would appear on the credit file and he said it wouldn’t, but I still worry it will pop up. If you struggle to get through press the option to speak to the financial help team, that’s how I got mine sorted.

Similar has happened to me as well more than once and my credit unaffected once it’s been sorted.
Sometimes it’s to do with bank holidays.

 

[HoGi]

None of this is making sense. What medical condition do you have? Just name it - I don’t understand why you wouldn’t?
if you are unwell to the point you haven’t washed in 2 years you need serious help. Why haven’t you washed?! I can’t see any Doctor knowing all of the above would just turn you away and refuse to help you. There’s more to this.

I'm inclined to not believe this poster. Every post there is another excuse.

And like you say no GP would leave them with no help especially if things are as Dore as they state.

 

[becca7721]

I’m not naming my rare condition. Just because I’ve tried things suggested doesn’t make me a liar.

Be grateful you’ve never experienced having a rare illness that means you get labelled a liar for decades of your life because there’s only one specialist in the uk for it. Go through years of psychotherapy, years of lies on your medical file that stays there to find out why you want to be ill just to be diagnosed with a rare illness that can only get worse and too late for any treatments. And no, being diagnosed doesn’t wipe out you being called liar and attention seeker for years.

Nhs doesn’t have funds to help so they default to liar.

Hopefully not something you or those you care about will need to ever endure.

For those who suggested things I hadn’t tried, and were supportive, thankyou.

 

[Purrrrrrr]

I don't know if the poster is an honest one or not but have given my advice as those they are as its not hurting me to do so ,but might harm them to accuse them.

I once went without changing my clothes, my bedclothes or washing for over 18 months. I was so far down that dark hole about two years after my sister died I could not climb out, ( I also in crises suffer from dissociation (childhood trauma) so time passed by much faster at this time ) this is why I suggested breaking each problem down into smaller problems. and dealing with them as separate issues. as we sound like crazed lunatics when trying to say everything at once

In the end, I just emailed many places explaining what was going on and that I was seriously unwell and they took over from there. I cant remember who I emailed but it was a number of places that deal with this type of thing.