Does The DWP Follow The Assessors Advice/Scores

Shecar

Afternoon,

We have today received a copy of the Assessors F2F Report, she has scored my daughter with 14 points for care and 16 for mobility. We have yet to hear anything from the DWP. She currently receives Higher Care & Lower Mobility (DLA).

The report has bought about a couple of minor 'grumbles' such as her being scored as being able to dress unaided - she wears pull on clothing, thus giving her some independance. Later on the report states that she would not be able to manage clothing with buttons & zips due to her coordination difficulties?

One slightly worrying matter was that the assessor said that my daughter had written the Harry potter books - hopefully J K Rowling does not read these forums!

My question is, what are peoples experiences with the DWP taking note of the Assessors opinions and, obviously their scoring?

Many thanks for any comments

poppy12345

Shecar wrote: »

Afternoon,

We have today received a copy of the Assessors F2F Report, she has scored my daughter with 14 points for care and 16 for mobility. We have yet to hear anything from the DWP. She currently receives Higher Care & Lower Mobility (DLA).

The report has bought about a couple of minor 'grumbles' such as her being scored as being able to dress unaided - she wears pull on clothing, thus giving her some independance. Later on the report states that she would not be able to manage clothing with buttons & zips due to her coordination difficulties?

One slightly worrying matter was that the assessor said that my daughter had written the Harry potter books - hopefully J K Rowling does not read these forums!

My question is, what are peoples experiences with the DWP taking note of the Assessors opinions and, obviously their scoring?

Many thanks for any comments

Mostly they do listen to the assessors advice yes, so hopefully for you and your daughter you'll have great news very soon.

Muttleythefrog

Wrote the Harry Potter books..lol.... I think some of these HCPs are certainly in the business of writing fiction and fantasy themselves. Anyway.. let me see. Your question of the thread.... the DWP Decision Makers will typically consider the assessment report the best evidence they have... because it is independent, 'professional', recent and specific to the criteria as you have obviously now seen. I would have significant confidence at this point that a good award is coming and I would not anticipate otherwise until/unless a decision is communicated detailing so.

The general 'grumbles' you have are pretty much standard as minimum... it is rare for these reports to be described as entirely accurate.. usually annoying errors seems to feature as the lowest form of criticism. On balance it sounds like a very useful report. It could take weeks for decision... there's a good chance the DM will agree with the report.

If the benefit is awarded on the lines suggested by the report.. i.e. enhanced rate for both components.. I would chalk up the errors in the report as a minor annoyance pending any unexpected future event that requires their challenge.

Shecar

Had the decision today, enhanced rate both components, review in 2023 - Bit of a double edged sword;

Absolutely over the moon that my daughter has her award (upped from DLA of higher care, lower mobility!)

But still having a problem in getting my head around the fact that a review date would be necessary when she has a disability that will only worsen/have a bigger impact on her life with age!

The cynical part of me is thinking that there will be plenty more hoops to jump through in 4/5 years!

Muttleythefrog

Shecar wrote: »

Had the decision today, enhanced rate both components, review in 2023 - Bit of a double edged sword;

Absolutely over the moon that my daughter has her award (upped from DLA of higher care, lower mobility!)

But still having a problem in getting my head around the fact that a review date would be necessary when she has a disability that will only worsen/have a bigger impact on her life with age!

The cynical part of me is thinking that there will be plenty more hoops to jump through in 4/5 years!

That's a very lengthy award...in fairness! She could be reviewed most likely in the 12 months prior to that 2023 date. At reassessment I understand there is a simplified form to complete where you indicate if problems have stayed same or changed... and there'd be a chance she won't need another face to face. I would say this is a very good decision for you (both)... all the best.

Shecar

Thank you - I must admit that, along with most people, I have found the whole thing an awful process - I'm making sure that I keep every bit of paperwork and keep up with the changing legislation for the future!