I note DWP can turn up at claimants homes unannounced and interview them. Is this legal, as I understood that for things like Visiting Officers or EMP visits, clients had to be notified of any visit in advance? Also what happens if the person is not at home? The DWP must surely realise that even disabled people have a life and may go out socialising or shopping etc.

u hit the nail on the head there....

how many HRM claimants will they catch loaded with bags on the way back from Tesco's!

I have a Client who has had an unannounced visit to complete a dla questionnaire. I spoke to the Visiting Officer in question and also to the person responsible for this review in Blackpool. I expressed my concern about unannounced visits and he advised me that the methodology for this on going review had been tested in a pilot project and also had been agreed following consultation with disability groups. I cannot understand the logic or see the value in turning up on someone's door step without prior agreement. In most cases it is quite understandable that a disabled person would be anxious and concerned and in this frame of mind, it is unlikely to produce a satisfactory interview.

I have been informed that it is not possible to have the form sent to the Client to complete or for the form to be left with the Client after completion by a visiting officer so that s/he can have a friend/relative/adviser ensure that it represents a complete picture.

Any views?