Hello All,

I'm quite new to welfare benefits advice, coming from a debt advice background, so this may well be an obvious question, please excuse my ignorance if so.

I have a client who has been receiving IB with an IS top up. She has recently been awarded DLA- this was done just based on the form & the supporting evidence from her CPN. She has now received a letter from Atos saying they have been asked by the DWP to carry out a medical assessment in relation to her IB claim.

Could this just be a coincidence that her DLA was awarded a couple of weeks ago and she has now been asked to go for a medical in relation to her IB? Or does this normally happen?

Also she suffers from depression & agoraphobia- I am aware that domicillary visits can take place, is agoraphobia something that will be taken into account if she asks for this?

As I say, probably obvious questions but any answers/advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Would appear to be a coincidence.

Check with client if they had recieved/completed an IB50 Questionaire in the previous couple of months.

Hi

Might be coincidence, might not. I've certainly heard of DLA being looked at again if a claimant loses an IB/ESA appeal which has some similarities - but then again this could be an urban myth....!

Anyway, yes you can ask for a domicilliary hearing in such cases although you will need a GP to support the application in writing. It might also be worth asking the doctor to specify that traveling to the appeal even by taxi is not a suitable option for your client.

Thanks so much. That's really helpful.

Developing the conspiracy theme further, I've noticed that people who we have supported through DLA appeals are now getting EMP visits when their tribunal determined awards are up for renewal!

Going back to the IB query, it has usually been the case that people on IB are reviewed every couple of years and sometimes more often than that.

I cannot see any reason why a DLA award would cause an IB medical. The removal of DLA is another issue altogether.

Hi I had a case where because of the clients mental heath I requested a home visit which was agreed but took very long time. I have provided a supporting letter by the GP and another one by me explaining the barriers in visiting the medical centre.

Good luck

Brilliant- that's positive to hear. Looks like the timing of it may just be a coincidence then.

Thanks again.

Hi again

Maybe not a coincidence and the end of urban myths!

I've just taken a call from a client of mine who went for his WCA a few days ago. He suffered a back injury at work and has been on ESA since his SSP stopped. No surprises in that he scored 0 points & ESA stopped. However, he has also received a letter stating that his high rate mobility DLA has stopped using the ESA medical as grounds for the supersession.

He is listed for major surgery on his back in a few weeks so I am hopeful that revision will prevent a need for full blown appeals - he has a letter from the surgeon.

However...I am also worried about his IIDB too....

Phil