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Universal credit review – urgent

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2 days 28 minutes ago #296826 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic Universal credit review – urgent
Hi Glitter Pink

So glad that David's advice helped you get through the first hurdle. I really hope that your call goes well and you get through this second one despite your fear. We look forward to hearing how you get on.

BIS

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1 day 5 hours ago #296836 by Glitter Pink
Replied by Glitter Pink on topic Universal credit review – urgent
Thank you for being with me through this process. Honestly, it’s helped me so much.

So I got the call yesterday, it came in around 10 minutes late. The agent didn’t even recognise that he called me late or apologise.

That extra 10 minutes waiting was excruciating for me, I was so nervous and anxious. It made me feel worse.

He went through some disclaimer, letting me know that calls are recorded and asked me if I wished to proceed. I said yes.

He went ahead and started asking me about three different transactions on my bank statement. One of them to parent pay (my children school where I pay the school for different items such as books, stationary, school trips) I don’t understand why he asked about that. it wouldn’t have taken him much to do some research to find out that parent to pay is a way of paying schools for various goods and services for the children.

He then asked me what my Zilch payment was for. I was slightly taken back as he could have done some research and seen quite easily that it was a Creditor.

He then asked me who specific payment was for that I send from time to time in various amounts. I informed him that it was my daughter. She is still under 18 but is at an age where she can buy her own bits and pieces online and when she is out and about. He probed me to tell him what the money I was sending her was for. I found out a bit invasive, she is a teenage girl, and what do teenage girls spend money on?? clothes, toiletries, perhaps going out?? All these questions seemed unnecessary and bizarre. Very invasive.

He then went on to ask me if I had stocks, shares, isa’s, and various other financial products and assets. I answered all those questions with a “no” as I don’t have any.

The whole call lasted five minutes. After it was over within a minute or so, I got a message on my universal credit journal informing me that my review was complete and there would be no change to my universal credit.

This ordeal went on for a month. I have gone through extreme levels of stress both mentally and physically because of it. In my opinion, this is a gross violation of my privacy and an unnecessary process. It’s not only humiliating but invasive and bizarre at the same time.

Thank you again for supporting me through this process. I hope that sharing my experience will help someone in someway.
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1 day 4 hours ago #296838 by Chris
Replied by Chris on topic Universal credit review – urgent
Hi Glitter Pink,

I have recently had a review myself, and going back to what was mentioned earlier, I also had the same issue with Nationwide about an account that didn't generate any statements, and even screenshots on your mobile phone have been blocked with a blank screen. I was told by my assessor to get a letter from the bank, stamped to say what was in each account and when - I eventually did and uploaded it, but the DWP - some agents are asking for things that are incredibly difficult to get hold of, and it is really upsetting. Mine went on for 6 weeks.

You know, it's the little few that seem to commit fraud, that it's penalising everybody else. I like to move bank accounts to get the switch money, but everytime I do, I'm told I must present my new evidence at my job centre, even though I struggle with social and travel anxiety, so I just stopped bothering to do this because I can't always get anyone to accompany me there.

I am pleased it's been dealt with, even though it took you a month of stress, but just to let you know, I totally understand how you feel, as I'm sure many thousands of others will.

On another note also, the help 2 save account (if you have one) - this doesn't have a specific account number, so when you're sending your bank statements, you can't write an account number in for this, so I just use 4 digits on my N.I.No to submit this.

Regards, Chris.

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