DWP confirms that visiting service has suspended routine face-to-face home visits in response to coronavirus outbreak

However, new edition of Touchbase also advises that visits will continue to vulnerable claimants, to ensure that benefit can be paid, and to undertake safeguarding checks

The DWP has confirmed that its visiting service has suspended routine face-to-face home visits in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

However, in a new edition of Touchbase focusing on coronavirus-related issues, the DWP also advises that the suspension will not apply to -

• visits to vulnerable claimants;
• visits needed to ensure that benefit payments can be made; and
• visits to undertake safeguarding checks.

The DWP also says that referrals to the service should continue as normal, and that -

'For all visit referrals we will undertake a risk-based assessment, ensuring they meet the criteria above and then make a decision on the best way to support the customer. Those customers who do not meet the criteria will instead be contacted by telephone or letter.'

For more information, see Touchbase: Coronavirus Special from gov.uk