Hello,
This is my first post here.
Apologies if there is already a thread about this - i was unable to find anything via the search facility.
I wonder if anyone else has faced the issue with ATW and the claim portal? In that the DWP have now decided that appointees cant use the portal (having accepted it for months previously).
I did some research online and I can see that a question was asked in parliament by Jullia Buckley - MP for Shrewsbury, at the beginning of January (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-13/105411/) .
Because she isnt my MP i cant contact her directly (I have tried). My own MP hasnt responded either (rather ironic as she is disabled herself but i guess she is very busy).
I'm really keen to find others in the same position as me and join any sort of fight about this, rather than start one of my own and duplicate (possibly legal) efforts. I'm luckily in a position to have time to allocate to this issue and I also have a fairly broad of experience with the DWP Access To Work system.
Part of my previous job was processing paper claims for clients (5 years) , we then switched to the portal, which whilst not perfect is a vast improvement and less administrative burden on clients. Then of course I act for my son (10 years).
I'm very lucky to be in the position of being able to afford the stars , paper and envelopes, and being able to scan the claims before i send them, maintain access and time to call the DWP to check things have been received and claims are being paid as I have recently retired, but i am well aware that many people are not and I feel this is in itself is somewhat discriminatory against (generally) exhausted appointees and vulnerable clients. I hate injustice and this feels unjust.
So if anyone has any information on any existing campaign i can lend my time and energy to please let me know. If not, if anyone has any ideas of how to fight this, or progress further I'd be grateful for the help.
Also I did consider calling the NAS about this to see if they had anything in play but its like trying to contact someone on Mars.
Thanks if you read this far.