Has anyone ever had a Recoverable Hardship Payment denied or delayed on grounds that seemed made up or not in line with official DWP policy?
I am currently gathering information as part of a formal complaint and potential legal challenge against DWP and I am looking to hear from others who experienced similar obstruction when applying for hardship payments.
In my own case I was given two separate reasons across multiple agents that I cannot find any basis for in official DWP policy. I was told I could not apply until I had attended a jobcentre appointment in person to demonstrate compliance with my commitments. Which was hard as I was out of the country visiting family. I was also told in writing that I could not apply because I was outside the United Kingdom at the time.
After weeks of fake reasons, in which I entered what I can only describe as poverty. I had to go sit in the job centre for a good half a day in the hopes an agent would have a appointment cancel and then be able to look at my case.The payment was eventually approved confirming my entitlement existed throughout. A DWP adjudicator also separately ruled in my favour on a related matter due to the original sanction being completely wrong.
I am not looking for general advice on my case. I am specifically interested in hearing from anyone who was given an unusual, unclear, or seemingly invented reason for a hardship payment being refused or delayed. Dates and jobcentre locations are useful if you are comfortable sharing but not essential.
If this happened to you please comment or feel free to message me directly.