Thank you to Joe Power, our Welfare Benefits solicitor, for supplying another avenue to explore in dealing with delays to the administration of PIP claims. We have mentioned in previous newsletters about complaining initially to the DWP and ATOS/ CAPITA and then contacting your client's MP. Joe has suggested writing directly to the solicitors at the DWP-
Department for Work and Pensions Litigation Division Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NA
Another option might be Judicial Review if you can enlist the help of a solicitor or Law Centre.
PIP GUIDE CHANGE- the DWP PIP assessment guide, has been updated to explain when a face to face assessment may not be needed. Perhaps in response to the long delays in claim administration, the guide suggests this might be where a client's evidence is consistent, they have completed the PIP2 claim form, there is nothing to suggest under/ over reporting of the condition and a client has cooperated with requests for evidence. The guide is meant for providers carrying PIP assessments.
Click here for our in house Personal Independence Payment(PIP) Course. It will run on an open basis on these dates- Personal Independence Payments 2014- Welfare Reform Cardiff 08/12/2014, Birmingham 09/12/2014, London 10/12/2014