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New award review process for PIP

Daphne
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Just had this email through from operational stakeholders -

<i>From 25th June there will be a change to the Award Review process. This follows feedback from claimants and representatives that under the existing process a face-to-face assessment isn’t always necessary.

Claimants will be sent a new shortened version of the ‘How your disability affects you form’ (AR1). It will be quicker and easier for claimants tell us what has changed about their health condition or disability since their last assessment.
DWP Decision Makers (DMs) will look at the information the customer provides on the form, along with any new supporting evidence and information from the previous assessment carried out by the assessment provider, to decide whether they can make a decision without referring the case to the assessment provider.
If they can’t make a decision based on this information, they will refer it to the assessment provider as usual.
The assessment provider may complete a paper based review or the customer may be invited to attend a face-to-face consultation.
An on-site Health Professional (HP) will be available to give DMs advice. <i>

Will be interested to see how this works in practice…

stevemac
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Horsham CAB, West Sussex

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Hi all

Client converted from DLA to PIP, due to see him next week but few details as follows:
* he is not happy with outcome decision (dated November 2015, 3 yr award to 2018) but he did not ask for MR (we will be looking at a late application next week when we see him)
* he contacted PIP recently and may have said he had worsened since conversion decision , any way he has been sent a “form ” to complete so this maybe the new AR1. He was told he has to complete and return this form otherwise his current award may be affected - if his current PIP award is correct can he change his mind on this review application without his current award being at risk- any one have any experience of this ?

many thanks

WROTricia
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Advice Works, Renfrewshire

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I have had a few clients who have inadvertently triggered a review - called up to report changes which wouldn’t count as a relevant change of circumstances and definitely wouldn’t result in an increase in their award and I have only been able to argue once that this was an error and the award should continue without the need for the form to be completed. It was a lengthy argument and but for the fact the client had mental health problems which were being exacerbated by their badgering to complete the form and we were able to provide supporting evidence for this I don’t think I would have had any luck with that one either. The DWP stated on every occasion that once the process of review/supersession has been triggered it must be completed. I don’t know if there is legislative grounds for this assertion though….

Den DANES
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DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney

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Back to the new review forms. I have two booked in for next week. In one case I know the client has had no change to her condition (sig mental health issues) since her last form was completed. So in theory a straightforward ticking of the boxes stating no change (15 mins max I would say). However she was initially turned down on her last claim form and won her last award on appeal with representation. So debating whether to also send my successful appeal sub with the review form or do I assume all the appeal docs will be available to the current Dec Maker. But also wondering whether sending the sub will just muddy the waters rather than sending a straightforward no change form. Any thoughts anyone?

1964
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Deputy Manager, Reading Community Welfare Rights Unit

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Hmmm… difficult one. I think on balance I’d go for ‘no change’ and see what happens.

Den DANES
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DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney

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That’s my feeling. Deal with any issues later as they arise

paulmoorhouse
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Central and South Sussex CAB

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What about sending the Tribunal decision notice? I would be less ‘confrontational’ and give the DM a clear steer as to which points to award…

S2uABZ
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Money adviser - Aberdeen City Council Financial Inclusion Team

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Does anyone have a copy of the AR1 review form they could share?

Den DANES
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DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney

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What are your clients experiences of the short review form (especially if they ticked no change) ? Have they still had a F2F assessment? Are the claims being renewed at the same rates. Do you still have some clients getting full forms for renewal. Any pattern as to who gets which?

NeverSayNo
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Welfare rights department - Northumberland County Council

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DAB - 04 November 2016 11:20 AM

What are your clients experiences of the short review form (especially if they ticked no change) ? Have they still had a F2F assessment? Are the claims being renewed at the same rates. Do you still have some clients getting full forms for renewal. Any pattern as to who gets which?

Have only had the one so far (back in September). We took input from the client, mother, CPN and care manager all of whom were reporting no change. The form was therefore a straight forward completion.

Client was still dragged in for an assessment, with her care manager, and not a very pleasant experience at that (we are having particular problems in Northumberland having only 1 assessment centre so most clients having to go out of county to not very disabled friendly centres and ATOS not very willing to do home visits)

Her award was maintained.

unhindered by talent
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Welfare Rights Team, Aberdeenshire Council

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I have a client who has had no change in her difficulties so have ticked all the boxes to say that. Do we still need to send in evidence? I have a vague letter with the client’s condition noted, low mood and anxiety but nothing that addresses the activities.