The Benefits System

[TigaSefi]

I don't need it, I do fine as I am. However I am not sure how much one get or anything but if it only £50 or week or so then I can do without.

[Sociable]

The biggest problem with the Benefits system is that it is open to abuse by both sides.

Yes there have been a few cases (very few) involving multiple calims that have come to light and the main person involved in some were coloured.

Fraud is, however, more often a "white skinned" not just white collar crime. In my experience as a Benefits Advice worker, the more common situation is a coloured claimant actually finding gaining benefits harder than their white counterparts for a whole host of reasons.

The treatment of †œfraudâ € � in different situations is also very interesting.

The government runs a double standard here and the point at which a prosecution is taken differs between †œtax evasionââ‚à ‚¬Ã‚ÂÂ�, normally only prosecuted for fraud involving over £75,000 , whereas any Benefit fraud is usually prosecuted for any fraud exceeding £0.75.

As I said at the start, fraud aside, the system is open to abuse by both sides and this is particularly true where DLA is considered. Anyone who got caught up with the infamous B.I.P.* will know what I mean.

The basic rule now is turn people down in the hope they will just give up and go away. Then, should they seek redress through the appeals process, fight them all the way in the hope they will eventually give up and go away.

Each time they are able to turn someone away this way they save money. Sadly, however, in my experience the ones most likely to give up are those most likely to have deserved to succeed.

The one glimmer of hope is that all political parties are now agreed that the current system needs a mega overhaul to make it fairer and most of all fulfil its original purpose.

I am certainly hoping that my own appeals due to be heard in the Court of Appeal later this year will help to establish some new effective case law which will in turn be reflected in any new legislation.

(*Benefit Integrity Program)

[paulyoung666]

i wish you well in your quest , it might help me in the long run as well

[Ramrod]

Fraud is, however, more often a "white skinned" not just white collar crime. In my experience as a Benefits Advice worker, the more common situation is a coloured claimant actually finding gaining benefits harder than their white counterparts for a whole host of reasons.

Not round here. The major perpetrators of fraud here are Nigerians.

[Sociable]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Not round here. The major perpetrators of fraud here are Nigerians.

I accept that in some areas that may well be the case but usually it is being perpetrated by a few individuals actually abusing fellow members of the nigerian community as much as the system itself, so in fact more Nigerians are victims of the crime rather than the villians.

There are bad apples in every barrel and part of the problem with that specific group is that fraud and corruption is endemic in Nigeria itself so providing an attitude of "Oh well this is how everyone behaves" when in fact it is always down to a few corrupt individuals.

The danger is assuming the steriotype actually applies to all.

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Sociable

I accept that in some areas that may well be the case but usually it is being perpetrated by a few individuals actually abusing fellow members of the nigerian community as much as the system itself, so in fact more Nigerians are victims of the crime rather than the villians.

Actually, in this case it is many, many individuals engaged in defrauding the state(benefit fraud etc) and private individuals (through card and phone theft).
It isn't a few bad apples in an otherwise law abiding community, it appears to be a national pastime. (thats obviously a generalization but it definitely isn't just 'a few individuals')

Ah, the joys of DLA forms - I have had the pleasure of filling them in twice now on behalf of my daughter - I don't remember it being 30 pages though - maybe the childrens version is smaller ?

I also must admit to having no problems at all - I filled them in, sent them off and got the award notifications a week or two later.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by pem

Ah, the joys of DLA forms - I have had the pleasure of filling them in twice now on behalf of my daughter - I don't remember it being 30 pages though - maybe the childrens version is smaller ?

I also must admit to having no problems at all - I filled them in, sent them off and got the award notifications a week or two later.

how long ago was this ????????????? , i hope mine is dealt with that quickly

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

how long ago was this ????????????? , i hope mine is dealt with that quickly

1997 & 2002

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by pem

1997 & 2002

cheers , just trying to get some info for my forthcoming ( possible ) nightmare

[Sociable]

LOL Just to balance Pem's experience one of my appeals goes all the way back to 1996 as they still have not sorted that award correctly. LOL

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by Sociable

LOL Just to balance Pem's experience one of my appeals goes all the way back to 1996 as they still have not sorted that award correctly. LOL

i worry more and more

[Sociable]

Originally Posted by paulyoung666

i worry more and more

If you hit any snags (which I hope will not be the case) please feel free to PM me anytime as I sorta know my way round the system now so may be able to help.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by Sociable

If you hit any snags (which I hope will not be the case) please feel free to PM me anytime as I sorta know my way round the system now so may be able to help.

cheers my mate

[DrAwesome]

Disability Living Allowance DLA is not means tested. (so they say)

It is divided into Care Component & Mobility Component.

The care component is for personal care needs & paid at three different rates. (low, medium & high)

You need to qualify for the high care componant before you can apply for Mobility.

The mobility component has two different rates.

Tests are administered by an Adjudication Officer.

But you are required if called to attend a medical examination every 3+ years whatever DLA rate you are awarded where you are assessed by a doctor (Adjudication Officer).

I know all the above because my sister is disabled
(she has a spine problem where the disks in her spine are wasting away)

I have accompanied/driven my sister to one of these examinations, she told me what the examination entailed.

There has been times after people (who are in reciept of low/mid/high rate DLA) have been to the medical examination and have had their DLA taken away from them.

And yet they continue to say DLA is not means tested.

Also if you are awarded the lower rate DLA and a later on apply for a highier rate DLA you can loose your lower rate entitlement.