Entitled to compensation from DWP - help please!

[mummymccar]

Hi,
I've had some problems with the DWP recently over my MA. The department have admitted that negligence by a member of staff caused problems with my application which has led to health issues and a personal financial loss of £2500.
I've sent them a letter of complaint along with supporting documents and have been told that they have forwarded my case for consideration for a special one off payment as compensation.
Now I'm really confused as to what comes next.
They said they'll contact me but will I be able to negotiate a payment? Do I have to accept the amount offered? Has it gone to a decision maker and if so, could they decide that they don't want to compensate me after all? Can I appeal a decision not to award me the compensation?
I've tried to contact CAB but to no avail and I'm desperate!
Can anyone help please?

[Naoko]

I have no legal training or knowledge whatsoever, but I had a google for you and came across this file: www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/financial-redress-for-maladministration.pdf which seems to set out the DWP's rules for deciding over such matters. If that is in fact the rules under which they're considering compensating you, it seems to imply you can in fact complain/appeal if you're not happy with what they decide.

[Naoko]

Whoops, forgot to make that a link. This file!

[mummymccar]

Perfect Naoko! Reading through it now and it is answering a lot of my questions already. Thank you so much!