THIS week the topic is about the new drive by the DSS to remove people from Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The initial idea is to stop fraud of DLA but inevitably it will result in genuine people being removed from the benefit or having a reduced rate being paid. There are some exceptions which are listed below.

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

The DSS are currently reviewing awards of DLA which have been made for life. This is called the Integrity Project and was made part of the previous Government's drive to reduce the social security budget and anti fraud drive. The project began in May 1997 and is expected to run for two years.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

DLA claimants receiving the higher rate mobility and the higher rate care components will be visited. Claimants receiving higher rate mobility and middle rate care will be sent a questionnaire. No other DLA awards should be contacted. For example, if you receive the high rate mobility on its own, or the high rate care on its own you should be O.K.

WHO IS EXEMPT?

There are a number of exemptions from this intrusion and they are as follows:-

If you have had a review in the previous year, and people with an underlying entitlement (people in hospital), amputees, people who are both deaf and blind, severely mentally impaired people, quadriplegics, people under 16 or 65 and over. If you have been awarded DLA for life, unless you are in one of the groups above, then you can expect to hear from the DSS in the near future.

MUST I FILL IN THE FORM?

The 1997 Fraud Act allows the Secretary of State to undertake investigations to obtain information and evidence for the purpose of reviewing DLA awards. If a visit or a questionnaire unearths information which may render the award suspect, the case will be put before an adjudication officer to be reviewed. The claimant will then have the right of review and appeal if the award is changed. If you do not fill the form or comply with the visit your benefit will be with-held.

POSSIBLE EFFECTS

The effects on people with Motability agreements could well be catastrophic. There could also be a knock-on effect for people who receive invalid care allowance if DLA payments are changed.

WHAT IF I GET A FORM?

If you receive a questionnaire form DLA 250, then you must seek advice as soon as possible. At risk is your award. As previously stated, if you are not exempt you will hear soon. I have, in fact, recently dealt with a pensioner in her 70s, so don't be surprised if they contact you.

GETTING ADVICE

There are a number of advice agencies that can help. Many offer free advice so make enquiries first to establish that they know how to deal with the form. Other organisations make a charge, but remember you only get what you pay for so ensure the one you contact is an expert in the field.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.