I had similar issue a couple of months back with a stopped pension payment due to non receipt of a Life Cert. I went through the process of phone call/emailed form/signed form sent back to DWP / reinstatement of pension payments. Took about 4 weeks.
Then I saw a number of comments from pensioners who, with similar situation to me, actually had their payments re-instated based on the initial call to DWP.
I raised a complaint with DWP, as that was not my experience, and received the below noted response, which clearly states that a re-instatement of the payment on initial contact should be the case. It would be no surprise if this is still not happening but all should be aware that this should be the case. Those not being given this 'courtesy' should request it during any contact they have with DWP on the pension non payment issue.
Their final comment was a response to my comment on why they have such an antiquated system for dealing with Life Certs and can we expect any changes.........
Good morning
Thank you for your email.
I am sorry that your payment was not re-instated when you initially contacted the department, and thank you for bring to our attention the issues you have had.
Due to postal issues oversea, we will usually extend the time a customer has to return the Life Certificate if they make contact and advise they have not received it.
I have requested all agents are again made aware to extend this curtesy to our overseas customers so that they are not penalised due to postal issues.
As a department we are looking at secure on line alternatives for our customers, but at this time it is still department policy to issue correspondence via post.