Job centre apologises over benefit delay

Oct 12 2008 by Mr Justice, Sunday Sun

A GOVERNMENT department has apologised to a benefit claimant after failing to pay her.

Jobcentre Plus — part of the Department of Work and Pensions, DWP — admitted they were in the wrong.

Jill, of Ryton, Gateshead, told me how the dispute started. She said: “I have been on invalidity since 1999 as I am agoraphobic. I was told I had failed a medical and would lose the benefit.

“I appealed with my doctor’s full support but lost. Then I put in a new claim and won.

But Jill’s troubles were not yet over . . . despite winning her benefit back.

She was paid just one week’s money before her benefit cheques failed to arrive. She said: “Today, I should have received two weeks money but I have not.”

And she explained: “I don’t know what else to do except talk to Mr Justice.”

Jill said she was due some back money as well as new payments of £86 per week.

I passed Jill’s complaint to the DWP and asked them to investigate.

And this is what they had to say. A spokesman said: “As you know, we rarely comment on individual claims for benefit.

“But, in this case, it appears we owe Ms Donnelly an apology on behalf of Jobcentre Plus for the length of time it has taken to sort out her claim and the arrears of benefit.

“She was quite right when she said she was due arrears. It is not clear why there was a delay in finalising the new claim and paying the arrears.

“A number of factors seem to have contributed to this. However, I am pleased to say that payment of all arrears has now been made.

“I would be grateful if you would pass on our apology to Ms Donnelly.”

Consider it done.