What happens at the review?

The Disability and Carer Service (DCS) have told us that they cleared 7000 cases by mid July and are in the process of clearing another 7000 cases.

So far the outcomes are as follows:

For those aged 65 and under: the rate of change is 61%, with 8% staying on the special rules and just over 30% being moved on to the normal rules.

For those aged 65 and over: Approximately, 58% retains their benefit either under the special or the normal rules and the benefit of 42% were changed.  They said that there is a 30% change for those over the age of 65 up to the age of 74 and that they might review all those aged over 65.

However, they have admitted that those receiving DLA in this particular age group are more likely to under report care needs and that all of them would need visits.  There are far fewer people affected by HIV in that age group.
They’ve said they received very few complaints; only 35 in 6 months.  They also report a relatively low number of appeals but they have taken extra staff on to ensure proper scrutiny.

How the review works

1. You'll receive a letter and a form from the DCS. This will ask for information about your medical condition, your medication, and the professionals involved in your care.
2. When this form is returned to the DCS they will contact your consultant for details of your condition.
3. Once they have all of this information the DCS will make a decision about your special rules DLA - it could be for the claim to remain the same, be reduced or stop altogether. They'll inform you by post of their decision.
4. If the DCS need to they might ask you for more information about your day-to-day care. They'll write to you to do this.

If you don't agree wth the decision made by the DCS you can ask for a revision and then an appeal.

What should I do if I get a letter from the DCS?

• Please don't ignore the letter because a decision may be made about your benefit in the absence of the most up to date medical information.
• If you want to talk to someone before you complete the form please call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.
• Let your hospital consultant, GP or specialist know that they will be getting a letter asking for information about your DLA claim.
• Take that opportunity to discuss your medical condition with your doctor or consultant so that they can provide the most up to date and accurate information about your condition.
• If you do not want your GP (or any other persons or organisations) to be contacted please tick the relevant box on page 8 of the form.

Support for you

If as a result of this review your benefit changes, and you are unhappy about this, please get in touch with THT Direct so that we can help you decide what to do next and find you an appropriate advice agency in your area if you need help.