DWP or JobcentrePlus?

I am confused. Perhaps someone could help? I sent form IB50 off in April 2009. I went for an ATOS medical on 15-03-2010. I had a letter from JobcentrePlus dated 20-03-2010 informing me that I met the threshold for IB. I find it hard to believe the ATOS medical was taken into consideration given the 5day gap. So, my Q's are
a)do I have to wait for confirmation
b)Who makes the decision - DWP or JobcentrePlus, or are they one and the same thing? Thanks

Hi Anne

Sometimes decisions on benefit entitlement are made remarkably quickly (although this is more the exception than the rule!) so if you've received a letter from Jobcentre Plus telling you that you've met the threshold for IB then this is the letter informing you of their decision that you've "passed" the test and continue to qualify for IB. Congratulations!

The terms Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus tend to be used interchangeably but strictly speaking JC+ is a part of the bigger DWP. From memory I think it's sometimes called an "executive agency" of the DWP. So the fact that your letter was from JC+ is perfectly in order. The actual decision on benefit entitlement is taken by a DWP/JC+ decision maker taking into account advice from Atos and sometimes (as in your case) this can happen very quickly indeed depending on local work-loads etc.

Hope the above clarifies things but please post back if we can help any further.

Kind regards

Mr B

Thank you Mr B. A very clear explanation for which I am very grateful. I shall now stop fretting about the whole thing - 'til next time!
Best wishes
Anne

My pleasure Anne thanks.

All the best

Mr B