I am writing this to Calm Down, having spent about an hour trying to sort out Claims.
The first concerns two payments from Paypal that were taken from Pip's bank account in January. Admittedly they were only of £7.81 but it's the principle that matters. It's taking so long to close his bank account (nearly 6 weeks so far) of red tape that I am about to explode. Now I have to ring Paypal and try and sort it out. You can see the fume coming out of my ears, can't you?
The second concerns an application for Bereavement Benefit that I completed over the phone 3 weeks ago but haven't heard anything about. (It used to be called a Widow's Pension. At least I think it did. I've got so confused now, I could hardly tell you my name, though I can tell you my National Insurance number as, in the last half hour, I have run 7 different numbers to do with the Job Centre, and had to recite it every time. Now, why would the Jobcentre handle Bereavement benefits? I have to say that stumps me.) It turns out there is no record of my claim, so they are having to send all the paper work once more.....
But on a lighter note, I was out with my friend Viv and her dog Titch the other day having a breather, sitting on a bench, when Titch bounced on Viv's lap. “I could marry you, Titch,” she said happily.
“I know what you mean,” I said. “I don't know what I'd do without Mollie.” I stroked her thoughtfully. “I suppose I could marry Mollie now.”
“Well, you could,” said the ever practical Viv. “But it'd have to be a civil partnership. And you couldn't wear a white dress.”
Since when has tradition ever stopped me? So watch out - I will be sending out invitations when I have allowed a decent interlude to elapse.
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23 comments:
Oh red tape drives me crazy so I can imagine how you must be feeling just now Flowerpot. :(
You have a good friend in Moll - a marriage made in heaven. :)
Jeez! Just what you don't need; it's enough just to be coping with bereavement without all this nonsense too.
I'm sure you and Mollie will be very happy together - with or without the official announcement!
I hope all the rubbish stuff gets sorted out soon. Cx
I am looking forward to a very happy future, Ak!
Chris - Makes you want to scream doesn't it? Just as well I have Molls to calm me down...!
Oh the bureaucracy (sp?) is awful. I really feel for you. I have to try to get my son a NI number but because we're expats apparently it'll be similar jumping through hoops.
I'm glad you've got Molly.
oh the paperwork! i feel for you.
JJ - good luck to you with your son's NI number. I'm very glad I have Molls too!
We are so beyond Civil Unions in Vermont! Leading the nation as usual.
The red tape is just the same here. Taken my bereaved friends months, almost years, to sort it all out.
So, Viv, don't plan your holidays when I am visiting next year....
I am working on a bridal outfit for Molls, would you like knitted or crocheted? much love, SIL.
There's nothing like bureaucratic paper pushing to drive someone mad. It seems when we need the most help or consideration the form brigade try to push us over the edge. I always find forms more palatable after red wine & chocolate. Actually I haven't tried it but I'd imagine it would also help when dealing with disorganised government offices on the phone.
Glad Mollie is there to ease the stress :-) I'm sure she'd be up for a wedding if the reception buffet included doggy treats and lots of fuss from all the guests :-)
Kat X
I'm sure you and Mollie will be very happy together! :)
Big UGH on the red-tape...
Laurie - paperwork! Doesn't it make you howl?
Dear Shelagh. Aunt? I would like crocheted please. Love Molls xxxx
Kat - I agree about the wine thoughnot good on chocolate. And Molls will eat ANYTHING!
Talli - what is it with bureaucracy?
I sympathise. It took about 3 months for the bereavement benefit to reach me. Just when you need the least hassle, it seems that bureaucracy has other plans. S much paperwork and so much to deal with. I can finally say things are beginning to settle (although I have just been asked to complete a tax form for Greg for 20009/10)!
Hopefully this will be sorted out very soon. Will you have an engagement party first:) Love Linda xxx
I'll buy a new hat for that wedding. Red tape is a nightmare and half the time I think that it is someone's actual role profile to misdirect the public.
Good luck.
Linda - an engagement party - now there's an idea. I never had one last time so I think this time definitely....
Addy - oh lord. 3 months? That means I have another 2 1/2 to go. Sigh.... sorry to hear about Greg's tax return. Really.....
Colette - a new hat eh? Can't wait to see that....
I sympathise with you for having these difficulties when at a time when you don't need extra stress.
It's lovely that you have a good friend to share walks with, and her crazy dog.
Ellee - yes, friends - particularly the four legged versions - are just wonderful! So are the two legged lot as well, I hasten to add....
It beggars believe, it really does. People really shouldn't have to deal with the idiotic aspects of red tape after a bereavement, the government don't make it easy for us do they. They should be putting in place certain guidelines that companies have to adhere to in order to make the whole banking/cancelling of financial arrangements easier to deal with.
CJ xx
CJ - hear hear. I can't see it happening, sadly...
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