Could be something or nothing but have had staff start to report that when we ring to order AA claim packs the line is being taken that, as a WRS, we should have a stock of claim packs and we can date stamp these ourselves coupled with a refusal to send single or multiple forms to ourselves.

Is this

a) a policy change that I've missed, or,
b) a misunderstanding on the part of AA that we're an alternative office?
c) a maverick

I suspect b) and that if we left the words Salford City Council off or queried whether it was because they thought we were an AO (as opposed to our Benefits Teams who may well be) then different answers may be received.

Of course I do recall the problems in ordering in bulk which, ironically led us down the road of ordering claim packs for individuals. Have we gone full circle or is something else going on?

There is nothing in regulation 4(5) of The Claims and Payments Regulations that prevents a person acting on behalf of a claimant from requesting the claim form directly from the Department (CIS/2726/2005, paras 21-25 - obiter).

I don't think you've missed anything. Many years ago it was not a problem for us to date stamp claim forms (even A1's) for client's, but this has not been the case for a long time.

A few weeks back I heard a rumour that DBEL were no longer sending claim packs. I've not found this to be the case but might have something to do with your problem.

In the alternative, I would suggest the client sends a letter that goes along the lines of "in this letter I am claiming DLA becuase I have x,y and z care and mobility needs". This should be treated as a claim, so the date of receipt would be the date of claim, and then a claim form should be sent out - though client might only have four weeks to return it instead of six.

Apparently according to DCS it is a misunderstanding on the part of AA that you are an alternative office. But it also depends where you order your stock of AA forms from. If you go through Heywood stores, you should not have a problem.

Do you know where you order stock from ?

We don't order a stock as such. We request them for individual claimants as required although some advisers like a little stock.

The message seems completely garbled.

On the one hand we have the DBC apparently erroneously assuming that because we're saying we're from a specific Council then we are an alternative office and must have a stock.

On the other hand we have the message that they can't send out date-stamped forms unless we are an alternative office!

So, we can't have them because we're an alternative office but we can!!! Got that? Me neither!!!

Then we have the advice that this can be gotten around by ringing Customer Services at our local DBC who will send out date stamped forms. Presumably this is because

a) they have no idea about the above mixed messages, and,

b) they assume that generic WROs will only want them periodically, whereas I manage specialists who will want them every day.

Anyone able to detail whether this is happening nationally and make suggestions as to who to approach to unravel what is fast becoming a farce.

Mike H.

I do one of these things for AA forms.

1. Having previously done a project involving AA claimants only, I made an agreement with the local jobcentre that I would be in daily for forms. This has the 6 werek date box stamped.

2. If you know in advance who you are seeing- then by calling cust services at the DBC they will log the client's interest and send you a form. This has the 6 week date box stamped.

3. If you just want a stock of AA forms then call Heywood stores and order in bulk (no double date box) but if like me you complete and send in the same day the six week box is only out by a day or two and often doesn't affect payment.

Good luck whatever way you decide