1,657
of 5,000 signatures
To Mel Stride, Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions
My own second installment of this allownace has been substantially delayed and the issue has only been resolved by the intervention of my MP. It proved impossible to contact staff involved in processing the claims for this benefit myself and the local DWP office refused to get involved. I spoke to local advice workers about this matter and they believed that there was no entitlement for pensioners on low incomes unless they received Universal or Pension Credit and that I might be required to repay the first intalllment which I had received in July.
I found it difficult to understand the information presented on the DWP website and believe it would be even more so for people who are unused to handling documents (as I am) and perhaps are also stressed and/or ill. The present government has given publicity in Parliament to the cost of living allowance allowance but not sufficient effort has gone into facilitating claims or making people aware of their rights. I believe this needs to change.
Petition text
I think that the system for processing payments of cost of living allowance and Pension/Universal Credit needs to be drastically reformed so as to make it easier for entitled people to claim and understand the rules for doing so. There should be no reliance on claimants having access to mobiles or computers in order to make a claim for benefit or to have information about requirements to attend Job Coach interviews, since many people cannot afford this access when on low incomes. I understand some people have had benefits reduced because of not having recieved details of these via texts or emails.
There is a strong argument for setting up local interviews to resolve issues with benefit claims or delays, since the online or telephone contact service with caller centres is often ineffective and it can be difficult to get an answer with either because the system is over-loaded with enquiries.
Clarify benefits rules - increase take-up and reduce poverty!
Next step - spread the word
Clarify benefits rules - increase take-up and reduce poverty!
Clarify benefits rules - increase take-up and reduce poverty!
Will you chip in?
Can you chip in Ā£5 to get this petition on the agenda? Getting support in a timely manner is critical to a petitionās success. Chipping in allows us to promote the petition on Organise and through email.
