Hi
Try this one................
Background:
I'm a Diabetic (Type 2), have mobility issues, and suffer from stress depression & some memory loss. So I have to take a few tablets with my food. Run out of food/money over weekend, so DWP Crisis loan in order, or so I thought..........
(Dept Work Pensions office hours 08:30 to 16:30 ONLY)
What Happened:
11:45 Rang DWP, got the Crisis Loan Tel no.
11:48 Rang number, but went through the automated speeches, pressed the buttons, but got "Sorry we are busy..." message. Instead of putting me on hold, it rang off.
11:49 - 14:00. Repeated above constantly. (Had to recharge phone every 30 mins for abot 5 mins)
14:00 Rang DWP again, got different number
14:00 Rang new number. Got automated message, but at least this time it actually put me in a queue. (Progress)! Waiting until....
14:25 Got through, but before DWP could amswer phone out of charge.
14:26 Recharge for 5 mins
14:30 Rang again. Again, in 'queue'.
14:55 Answered! But wrong area - alternate number DWP gave me was for Nottinghamshire, NOT Gloucestershire! They suggested I re-ring original number, as they said it's now working..... (Yeah, right).
14:57 Recharge phone...
15:05 Re rang original number. Now in queue!
15:35 Still in queue - phone went dead.
15:36 Recharge phone
15:50 Re ring original number
16:05 Finally get through! Answering security questions phone dies. Not out of charge, completely DEAD!
16:10 Check connections, etc. Phone definitely dead. (Cue Monty Python Parrot sketch). Try to sort it out. No good.
16:15 Get dressed, hobble to public phone box, short distance away.
16:25 Make call, in queue (again.)
16:29 Get through! Give mobile number so they can ring back.
16:40 They ring back, but say not entitled to Crisis Loan, since I've already used up my quota for year. Explain my health situation. 'Suggest' operator get manager, which he does.
17:00 Manager says last time I can get loan for 12 months, (my notes amended accordingly). Condescending that I should 'budget' better. Grrrr - If I got the extra Disability Allowance payments I wouldn't BE in this hassle!
17:05 Operator arranges for me to collect my giro 09:30 tomorrow.

Cheers
Paul H