I have just been referred a client who has been asked by the Disability and Carers service to provide proof of his immigration status before they will make a decision on his claim.
The client has been in this country since 1968 and had a British passport however he lost all ID in a flood at his home. The client is currently on Income Support and had to provide proof of immigration and ID when he applied for this. I do not understand why the Disability Benefit Centre always ask for proof of immigration status from claimants who have already had to prove this for other benefits. Could some one enlighten me?

Sorry. It's a bit much after 36 years isn't it? Is this happening a lot? Presumably he gave his nationality as British, on his claim form? They don't ask everybody for this - i have a lot of naturalised British Citizen clients and have only encountered it once, with DLA.

Perhaps the DBC can enlighten you or maybe your client's MP?