FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Grassed up to the D.W.P
Grassed up to the D.W.P
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I am currently out of work, and on a Saturday and sunday morning I go to an old ladies house to rake out and keep there coal fire going for them,fill the coal buckets up etc and make sure there commode is empty and cleaned for the rest of the day.i am away from our house for about 20 minutes, the old lady is a friend of my wife Ali,theyve been friends for years from Bingo,but last year she had a leg amputated and her husband has severe dementia,they get a home help/carer from Monday to Friday but the carer they get dosnt work on a weekend and the husband with dementia is very wary of anyone new or strange coming into there home ,so for the last 9 months ive been going to help them out , I do not get anything or wouldn't dream of being paid for helping ,but have received a letter to say ive been working on a weekend and have to attend an interview on Tuesday to explain the report filed against me  |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
Just make it clear that it's voluntary work of the good neighbour variety and does not affect your job search or ability to accept work.
Good for you for being a good friend and good luck for Tuesday.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just make it clear that it's voluntary work of the good neighbour variety and does not affect your job search or ability to accept work.
Good for you for being a good friend and good luck for Tuesday.
"
Well said and good luck  |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"How bizarre, surely you can help someone out without it being classed as work, paid or not  "
It depends how much time you devote to it. If it affects your ability to accept a job then DWP will class it however they want to.
Look at the start of the Poundland case. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Explain it to them like you have on here and I'm sure you'll be fine.
And props to you for being a decent person..."
I have tried to explain it to them over the phone but they want an interview saying this is not acceptable and that they will be contacting the couple im suppose to be working for to get there view too,which because of there health and age I find Appalling and just know how upsetting this will make the old lady in question feel, I havnt mentioned anything too her yet  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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They probably only want to interview you so they can record it. I wouldn't sweat it, you're simply helping out elderly neighbours for no reward. Personally, in this day and age, I'd give you an OBE for such an act of kindness. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have a look at David Cameroons big society and say your taking the responsabilty of helping saving the local authorities from having to send a over paid worker in. Explain your doing it for free |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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All work paid or unpaid must be disclosed...
Whether they will class what you are doing as unpaid work I haven't got a clue.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/fraud-guide-working-investigations.pdf
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/fraud-guide/
I think it would be very harsh if they do anything but advise you on the correct way to inform them you are doing unpaid work, as you haven't profited from your actions.
It may be worth getting legal advice first, usually you will get to a first consultation with a solicitor free. |
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"How bizarre, surely you can help someone out without it being classed as work, paid or not
It depends how much time you devote to it. If it affects your ability to accept a job then DWP will class it however they want to.
Look at the start of the Poundland case."
As far as I'm aware, when claiming JSA, you are given an amount of steps that you must fulfill to satisfy their requirements. If you have done that then surely what you do in the rest of your free time shouldn't come into the equation. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think its already been touched upon but..... Dont go in there with the attitude of them against you. Someone for whatever reason has decided to provide information about you suggesting you may have done something wrong.
Simply tell them what you have told everyone here? I guess they are duty bound to investigate, so getting acrimonious in the manner some are suggesting is hardly going to assist?
Im sure you will have nothing to worry about. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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it may be worth looking at employment lawyers in your area, contact your local paper if this fails as this could make the DWP look a bit silly to say the least.
Two 20 minute visits is hardly going to effect your jobsearch. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"How bizarre, surely you can help someone out without it being classed as work, paid or not
It depends how much time you devote to it. If it affects your ability to accept a job then DWP will class it however they want to.
Look at the start of the Poundland case.
As far as I'm aware, when claiming JSA, you are given an amount of steps that you must fulfill to satisfy their requirements. If you have done that then surely what you do in the rest of your free time shouldn't come into the equation. "
I do everything they ask me to do as for job search and I am even going back to my old job in September which they know about |
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By *nnyMan
over a year ago
Glasgow |
"Dont take no crap mate. ..........."
That attitude get you sanctioned.
Go in looking for a fight and, whilst you might win the war, you'll lose a few battles in the meantime and be left without the financial support you presumably need. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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This is the system gone mad. Just go in, be polite and honest and you will have nothing to worry about, would warn the lady you are helping so she is aware she may be contacted by them and tell her it's nothing to worry about.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A few tips for you Do not use the words "voluntary work". You have to declare that even if you do not get paid.
Tell them you helping a friend out you and your wife have known for years.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Yet the people I know have actually admitted to my face that they refuse to work as they don't like authority and there is nothing wrong with them and they have plenty of luxury in their life  . Also when the government best people complaining they cut everyone's benefit. Despite some people actually need it and stein genuine need |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"How bizarre, surely you can help someone out without it being classed as work, paid or not "
stupidly not without declaring it is as volentary work its all part of the hoops you have to jump through.
Who ever decided to inform though is a sad person in my eyes |
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"
I have heard this story so many times. Think of a new one mate."
Do you beat the amount of goodwill service to others in need that this person offers? If you have constructive advice, then offer it - otherwise, you're seemingly just putting someone down, when they're concerned, and at a low point. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"How bizarre, surely you can help someone out without it being classed as work, paid or not
It depends how much time you devote to it. If it affects your ability to accept a job then DWP will class it however they want to.
Look at the start of the Poundland case.
As far as I'm aware, when claiming JSA, you are given an amount of steps that you must fulfill to satisfy their requirements. If you have done that then surely what you do in the rest of your free time shouldn't come into the equation. "
It does if they think you aren't doing enough.
Returning to work in September is not considered a reason to turn down any work offered now. |
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My advice also is to speak to the CAB, as they have specialist benefits advisors who can help and communicate with the DWP on your behalf too.
As others state, it's likely a formality, that every complaint has to be investigated officially. As long as you make clear that you're only doing this voluntarily, and that you're completely looking for a job, then I think you'll be fine. It's touched my heart that you do this, and many of us here are proud of you.
Good luck!! |
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Mark, walk in look them in the eye, tell them the truth, be polite as normal. Explain it is not for reward or gain. Tell them it is not work mearly you helping out a couple of elderly people that you respect enough to spare a small amount of your weekend for.
Good luck our country needs caring people |
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By *abioMan
over a year ago
Newcastle and Gateshead |
if you have trouble explaining it in words face to face, do a copy of what you have written down,
it explains what you are doing perfectly in your own words....
you have done nothing wrong, so you should have nothing to fear........
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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sounds like some sad person is just wanting to cause trouble for you by doing this .....its not work in anyway ...you are helping out an old friend in a way that benefits them ...good luck for tuesday .... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Not 100% sure on this mind, but I'm sue in year gone by JSA only covered you Monday - Friday anyway, and did not include what you did at w/end, however as I said not a 100% sure, on another note point out your only doing what adverts on television ask us to do every winter and that's look out for and elderly neighbour, if they say its not winter just tell them things in most cases don't change in the summer months they still need help and support good luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If it was that big of an issue, after whoever reported you( more than likely someone close to you both ) I think they would have gathered their own evidence before they called you in, that's the normal route they take as without it its only hearsay and as in any sort of case very hard to prove |
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By *mumaWoman
over a year ago
Livingston |
"If it was that big of an issue, after whoever reported you( more than likely someone close to you both ) I think they would have gathered their own evidence before they called you in, that's the normal route they take as without it its only hearsay and as in any sort of case very hard to prove"
Not so true actually. A friend of mine was reported for working by a malicious and vindictive person who had a personal vendetta against her.
Fortunately, she was able to go in and state the person's name, address, phone number and also produce police reports on harassing behaviour.
DWP no longer has the resources to trail every report made, so many are brought in for a quick interview.
OP, you will be fine and I am sure your neighbour will vouch for you (not that it should be needed). And good on you for being such a good neighbour.... I need my windows done, when you free  xx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"If it was that big of an issue, after whoever reported you( more than likely someone close to you both ) I think they would have gathered their own evidence before they called you in, that's the normal route they take as without it its only hearsay and as in any sort of case very hard to prove
Not so true actually. A friend of mine was reported for working by a malicious and vindictive person who had a personal vendetta against her.
Fortunately, she was able to go in and state the person's name, address, phone number and also produce police reports on harassing behaviour.
DWP no longer has the resources to trail every report made, so many are brought in for a quick interview.
OP, you will be fine and I am sure your neighbour will vouch for you (not that it should be needed). And good on you for being such a good neighbour.... I need my windows done, when you free xx"
maybe this just pick the meaty cases now then |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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i was called in for an interview due to an anonymous phone call .....sayinng i was living with someone and they told me who i suppose to be living with ....was a very close male friend who lives in kent and i live in yorkshire ...woman admitted to me then ...they dont investigate the claims anymore until after they interviewed the peron who the claim been made against due to how much it costs .... |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"i was called in for an interview due to an anonymous phone call .....sayinng i was living with someone and they told me who i suppose to be living with ....was a very close male friend who lives in kent and i live in yorkshire ...woman admitted to me then ...they dont investigate the claims anymore until after they interviewed the peron who the claim been made against due to how much it costs ...."
Your post has made me wonder what happens if someone is reported for having a lot of different male visitors. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As Fabio said, it is a good idea to write down what you want to say, even a list of headings that will jog your memory to specific points you want to bring up, times, dates, witnesses and exactly what you have been doing for them. It can be a bit stressful being put on the spot, especially when your livelihood is on the line. I've done it in the past and it does help if you get a bit flustered. When I haven't done a list I'll will often think about things I wanted to say, but didn't, afterwards when it is a bit late.
Are there any other neighbours or relations of the couple that would act as a witness to your actions? Maybe get statements off of them tomorrow to take with you if possible.
Ignorance of the rules isn't an excuse so speaking to a solicitor and/or CAB is worthwhile and initially isn't going to cost you anything. It may also help you from incriminating yourself. It would be better not to drop yourself in it. Unless there is advice from someone that works for the DWP fraud division who can give you 100% correct advice then all we are all doing here is surmising what we think is the best advice, and it may not be the best advice to go in there without expert advice. In my experience it would be worth phoning the CAB first thing as they can get very busy and you only have tomorrow to get advise.
You don't sound to me to be trying to con the system, far from it in fact. However things seem to be done in a black or white type fashion and mitigating circumstances only come into it after a decision has been made.
Best of luck |
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By *otswoldMan
over a year ago
Cheltenham |
There is a lot of sound advice in this thread and here is a bit more. I hope it is also sound.
As has already been said, go to the interview well prepared. For example, if you can account for every penny you spend in a week then write it down. The bottom line is whether or not you receive any payment. You say that you don’t so the onus is on the DWP (see note below) to prove otherwise. Regardless of the political party of your MP, make an appointment with your MPs constituency clinic for a date that is after the interview. If a decision goes your way then fine, either cancel that appointment or go for just the satisfaction of being able to bend some one’s ear on the matter. If the decision appears to be going against you, ask about the appeals procedure and ask for it in writing. If you are told that there isn’t one then ask for that fact in writing. Explain that you need the decision to be in writing in order to show your MP (or his/her constituency staff). Collect all that documentation together and write a covering letter to your MP. Do this because the rules say that an MP must reply to a written enquiry with a written reply. However, the real point is that you will be giving so many people so much hassle that it probably won’t get that far
Note: For DWP, read whatever privatised agency it is who currently ripping off the present government on some pretence of working on behalf of the DWP.
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Your not breaking any rule in helping caring for a friend but depending on how it is worded it may appear your working.
Bullet point what you do / how often. Explain your caring / helping and not working.
If you have any.problems get everything.in writing. Ask, calmly to speak to a senior decision maker.
If this does not help call.your MP.
Good luck and well done on being a good neighbour |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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State that you do it because they are friends, who are in need of help, and because they don't have any help over the weekends you are doing anything a friend would do for another in their situation. So long as you get no payment, they need to prove otherwise. They may need to interview the other people (ie your friends) to clarify this though. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"A few tips for you Do not use the words "voluntary work". You have to declare that even if you do not get paid.
Tell them you helping a friend out you and your wife have known for years.
"
Would agree with this, you are being a "good neighbour" not doing "voluntary work" as you have to be working for a charity or statutory body to volunteer!
Ive been investigated twice by DWP, IRS AND local council due a "good neighbour" of mine who needs to,get a life!
You are helping out and you should be awarded not crusified |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I am currently out of work, and on a Saturday and sunday morning I go to an old ladies house to rake out and keep there coal fire going for them,fill the coal buckets up etc and make sure there commode is empty and cleaned for the rest of the day.i am away from our house for about 20 minutes, the old lady is a friend of my wife Ali,theyve been friends for years from Bingo,but last year she had a leg amputated and her husband has severe dementia,they get a home help/carer from Monday to Friday but the carer they get dosnt work on a weekend and the husband with dementia is very wary of anyone new or strange coming into there home ,so for the last 9 months ive been going to help them out , I do not get anything or wouldn't dream of being paid for helping ,but have received a letter to say ive been working on a weekend and have to attend an interview on Tuesday to explain the report filed against me "
hang on hang on ain't it long back since you had problems with your neighbours who have since been evicted, now I wonder who shopped you |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I am currently out of work, and on a Saturday and sunday morning I go to an old ladies house to rake out and keep there coal fire going for them,fill the coal buckets up etc and make sure there commode is empty and cleaned for the rest of the day.i am away from our house for about 20 minutes, the old lady is a friend of my wife Ali,theyve been friends for years from Bingo,but last year she had a leg amputated and her husband has severe dementia,they get a home help/carer from Monday to Friday but the carer they get dosnt work on a weekend and the husband with dementia is very wary of anyone new or strange coming into there home ,so for the last 9 months ive been going to help them out , I do not get anything or wouldn't dream of being paid for helping ,but have received a letter to say ive been working on a weekend and have to attend an interview on Tuesday to explain the report filed against me hang on hang on ain't it long back since you had problems with your neighbours who have since been evicted, now I wonder who shopped you "
well it is my number 1 suspect |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Unfortunately not all people are as altruistic as you. Your situation should be easy to explain, however it's good to see that the DWP are being more thorough with regard to benefit claimants. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I would have thought all of those that post on the various benefits threads would be delighted that these checks were taking place and a potential benefit fraudster is being investigated?
These checks exist for a reason and we can't pick and choose who or why they are applied. Granted based on the OP it seems like it will be pretty easily resolved but surely there is a responsibility to explore the allegation? |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Hi again,,Just an update to say everything went great at the interview today,they have accepted everything I told them and im fine to continue to help out the wifes elderly friends in the way I have been doing,Thanks to everyone who gave advice and commented on the thread |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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oh thats good news also just to let ppl know if you are on the sick you can earn a certain amount of money as long is it is classed as THERAPUTIC work to help you in the future. As as caseworker I have some clients who do that |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Tell the fuckers you do not have to be available for work 24/7 and tgat you are part of canerons big society.
Whats it coming to when someone gelps someone out and is reported. They do not havecresources to follow many i reckon someone shopped you. It sickens me mate.
One piece of advice if they slap sanction on you or stop money make immediate appeal tell them you want paynent in appeal they do not tell folk butvif you do this they have to pay while appeal is going on.
Hopevit goes well. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hi again,,Just an update to say everything went great at the interview today,they have accepted everything I told them and im fine to continue to help out the wifes elderly friends in the way I have been doing,Thanks to everyone who gave advice and commented on the thread "
Good news. Some people just like to cause trouble for others. I'm glad they saw sense. |
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"Hi again,,Just an update to say everything went great at the interview today,they have accepted everything I told them and im fine to continue to help out the wifes elderly friends in the way I have been doing,Thanks to everyone who gave advice and commented on the thread "
Brilliant! X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Good Luck in your interview xxxx  
Keep up at the back ...
I can't I am poorly lol
It's no excuse.....  "
its the best one I can think of at the moment ............ I'll work on it lol |
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