Benefits Update - April 2020

You may have heard that, due to the Coronavirus shut down, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has suspended all face to face functional assessments for people claiming Personal Independence Payments, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. Instead, they are going to attempt to base the assessment, either, on an examination of the claim form and any additional information you have submitted or on a telephone assessment. Our understanding is that you will be contacted to discuss which option you prefer and our advice is that you should opt for the telephone assessment.
 
We were aware that the face to face assessment process could be deeply flawed. We want to check whether there are any adverse effects from the telephone assessment process and if this has an impact on member's claims. Therefore we would ask any member who is waiting for an assessment to get in touch with Shine's Lead Disability Benefits Officer, Bryn Roberts when they are approached by, either, the DWP or the assessment provider (Maximus, Independent Assessment Services or Capita.)

Bryn's contact details are:
Email: bryn.roberts@shinecharity.org.uk
Phone: 07469148572

Bryn can help you prepare for your telephone assessment and you can help us to support other members by telling us what your experience of the assessment was and how your claim progresses.