DWP confirms that reviews and reassessments of industrial injuries disablement benefit remain suspended and no face-to-face assessments are taking place

However, Minister also advises that claims continue to be processed, and decisions made as normal, for claimants with the most serious or terminal conditions

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson has confirmed that reviews and reassessments of industrial injuries disablement benefit (IIDB) remain suspended as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and that no face-to-face assessments are taking place.

Responding yesterday to a written question in parliament on what steps the DWP is taking to ensure that no claimant for IIDB loses out due to delays in assessment due to the suspension, Mr Tomlinson said -

‘I can reassure you that IIDB is being treated with the same priority as other benefits and we are working closely with our stakeholders to restart assessments safely as soon as possible. Once face-to-face assessments are recommenced and cases progressed, awards will be backdated to the date of claim to ensure no one is underpaid. In the meantime, for claimants with the most serious or terminal conditions, claims continue to be processed and decisions made as normal. We are actively considering how to deal with those cases not currently being processed.

Reassessment case awards have been extended to ensure that payments continue unhindered on those cases. Any deteriorations in condition which would have meant an increase in award, will be backdated once face-to-face assessments recommence, to ensure that no one is underpaid.’

Mr Tomlinson's written answer is available from parliament.uk