havensRus
09-10-2009, 18:54 PM
A surprising and satisfying result to a challenge to stupidity and officialdom!!
Summary:
HBO paid 10 weeks worth of LHA to T inspite of me notifying them in plenty of time, that T was more than 8 weeks in arrears. T’s LHA claim had gone through hiccups and was delayed and he hadn’t actually been paid anything by then. HBO refuse, pay LHA to T who doesn’t pay me. I make a formal complaint, Council back down, admitted they were wrong, and pay me compensation to the tune of the amount paid to T which T didn’t pay me.
The most infuriating thing was I was constantly on the case, and alerted them in time, but they just wouldn’t listen, hence my determination to see it to its bitter end. I did have a guarantor for him, so had a fall back.
Cheque from council received and banked. So, I’m a happy bunny.:)
For those who have the time or inclination to read, then full story below. Else, stop reading at this point.
Full(ish) story:
• T applies for LHA in his name only. Then process stopped and restarted so both could apply together.
• Then process is suspended a second time as HBO ask for more information on partner’s JSA. I have 3rd party authority, so monitoring process.
• I chase T, who assures me he provided it. But it turns out he didn’t. And then couldn’t as partner went away (to France!) for 2 weeks looking after mum.
• Time runs out and 6 weeks down the line, HB terminated because of lack of information. I inform HBO that T was now 6 wks in arrears, but was told “tough”
• Eventually, partner returns, gets info on JSA and LHA process reinstated, 9 weeks after start, and payment approved and scheduled.
• I inform HBO by phone, letter and email that T is now 9 weeks in arrears, and highly unlikely to pay me, as 8wks limit has passed, to pay me the LHA as law states.
• HBO refuse, pay T 9-weeks worth of LHA, which T does not pay, giving excuses such as-its in partners account and he doesn’t have details/card, partner is ill and has had to go to Sheffield, her health is more important etc.etc.
• And prior to skipping to Sheffield, partner had found the time and energy to go and claim disrepair at EH office-and I get letter from EHO about stuff that had not even been reported. And prior to that, both had claimed they thought address was blacklisted as they couldn’t get credit. I had done credit check on T but not on partner as she was not supposed to be on AST. I was already beginning to smell a rat then.
• I inform HBO about refusal of T to pay the LHA, and get the usual officious response. I hit the roof, chew some ears off at the HBO and make a formal complaint, as I had informed them in plenty of time about the arrears.
• After a week of nothing, by which time T had been paid another weeks worth, I called and chewed some more ears off, and got to speak to complaints manager, and complaint escalated from Level 1 to Level 2.
• Few days later, a manager rings me, tries to apologise and I tell her where to stick it (politely), and that I was taking the matter to the highest level possible as they had been negligent.
• She eventually asks me what I want, and I tell her I want the full amount of LHA that was paid to T (10 weeks by now) which T misappropriated, or I was going to continue my campaign.
• Few days later, get a call to once again to apologise and admit they had been wrong!! and offered full compensation to the amount of the 10 weeks rent, and sent me confirmation in writing. Manager thanks me for bringing matter to their attention, they have identified areas of training etc. to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
• I write back to thank them, and offer to provide them with info from LL perspective, should they wish, to help make training more meaningful… but silence on that one.
• Cheque arrives on Wednesday and I banked it yesterday.
Happy days. Nice to have the last laugh
Summary:
HBO paid 10 weeks worth of LHA to T inspite of me notifying them in plenty of time, that T was more than 8 weeks in arrears. T’s LHA claim had gone through hiccups and was delayed and he hadn’t actually been paid anything by then. HBO refuse, pay LHA to T who doesn’t pay me. I make a formal complaint, Council back down, admitted they were wrong, and pay me compensation to the tune of the amount paid to T which T didn’t pay me.
The most infuriating thing was I was constantly on the case, and alerted them in time, but they just wouldn’t listen, hence my determination to see it to its bitter end. I did have a guarantor for him, so had a fall back.
Cheque from council received and banked. So, I’m a happy bunny.:)
For those who have the time or inclination to read, then full story below. Else, stop reading at this point.
Full(ish) story:
• T applies for LHA in his name only. Then process stopped and restarted so both could apply together.
• Then process is suspended a second time as HBO ask for more information on partner’s JSA. I have 3rd party authority, so monitoring process.
• I chase T, who assures me he provided it. But it turns out he didn’t. And then couldn’t as partner went away (to France!) for 2 weeks looking after mum.
• Time runs out and 6 weeks down the line, HB terminated because of lack of information. I inform HBO that T was now 6 wks in arrears, but was told “tough”
• Eventually, partner returns, gets info on JSA and LHA process reinstated, 9 weeks after start, and payment approved and scheduled.
• I inform HBO by phone, letter and email that T is now 9 weeks in arrears, and highly unlikely to pay me, as 8wks limit has passed, to pay me the LHA as law states.
• HBO refuse, pay T 9-weeks worth of LHA, which T does not pay, giving excuses such as-its in partners account and he doesn’t have details/card, partner is ill and has had to go to Sheffield, her health is more important etc.etc.
• And prior to skipping to Sheffield, partner had found the time and energy to go and claim disrepair at EH office-and I get letter from EHO about stuff that had not even been reported. And prior to that, both had claimed they thought address was blacklisted as they couldn’t get credit. I had done credit check on T but not on partner as she was not supposed to be on AST. I was already beginning to smell a rat then.
• I inform HBO about refusal of T to pay the LHA, and get the usual officious response. I hit the roof, chew some ears off at the HBO and make a formal complaint, as I had informed them in plenty of time about the arrears.
• After a week of nothing, by which time T had been paid another weeks worth, I called and chewed some more ears off, and got to speak to complaints manager, and complaint escalated from Level 1 to Level 2.
• Few days later, a manager rings me, tries to apologise and I tell her where to stick it (politely), and that I was taking the matter to the highest level possible as they had been negligent.
• She eventually asks me what I want, and I tell her I want the full amount of LHA that was paid to T (10 weeks by now) which T misappropriated, or I was going to continue my campaign.
• Few days later, get a call to once again to apologise and admit they had been wrong!! and offered full compensation to the amount of the 10 weeks rent, and sent me confirmation in writing. Manager thanks me for bringing matter to their attention, they have identified areas of training etc. to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
• I write back to thank them, and offer to provide them with info from LL perspective, should they wish, to help make training more meaningful… but silence on that one.
• Cheque arrives on Wednesday and I banked it yesterday.
Happy days. Nice to have the last laugh