Hi

Now that so many people are having benefits paid into a bank account, I am finding it very difficult to verify which benefits are actually being paid. At least with order books it was quite clear, if there was a deduction for a loan or utility payments etc. Not everyone keeps the DWP letters, or not the relevant ones. Bank statements are not always clear enough -one recent case showed a payment for Incapacity Benefit and DLA mobility together.

Has anyone had any clever ideas as to how to get round this problem, as I can see it getting more and more difficult. I know we can contact DWP etc. but that takes time, authorisation and many recordings of some awful music.

Thanks.

This is a great problem for LSC contracts where you need proof. I've resorted to a letter to the local office, with a FOA, and space for answers to questions (no more than three or so) on the page itself, with a space for a signature and a stamp. The clerk receiving it just has to look up the numbers, write them down, sign and stamp and send back.

They don't have to file anything, so they don't seem to mind, and I've had 100% success rate within 7 days. Often reply by return.

We use a similar method and get very quick response from DWP.

We usually use a form with just one question - Is client on IS/IJSA/Guarantee Pension Credit on ?

All the DWP has to do is tick a box and stamp the form.

Where we need details of levels of other benefits we'd write a simple letter.