Advice for appointee re TEL WCA for son with epilepsy

Hi Sum

The DWP has outsourced HAAS functions to private companies ( Maximus, Serco, Capita and Ingeus ) and whilst the DWP itself always communicates only with the Appointee and not the claimant, the HAAS companies will try and communicate with the claimant. Here is the guidance from Maximus on appointees-


A full assessment (Face-to-Face AC or HC Assessment, Video Assessment or
Telephone Assessment) cannot go ahead if the appointee does not accompany the
claimant. If an appointee does not turn up, then normal Failed to Attend (FTA) action
should be taken – the DWP will investigate the conduct of the appointee. The
consultation can only take place if the claimant is accompanied by their appointee.
The appointee should be considered in line with guidance about companions being present at assessments, except that when the claimant has an appointee, the presence of an appointee is mandatory for the assessment to be conducted. (See 3.1.3.3 below for
information on companions.) The interview should predominantly be between the HCP and the claimant where possible. However, the appointee may play an active role in helping claimants answer questions where the claimant or HCP wishes them to do so. This may be particularly important where the claimant has a mental, cognitive, or intellectual impairment.
In such cases the claimant may not be able to give an accurate account of their health
condition or impairment, through a lack of insight or unrealistic expectations of their own
ability. In such cases it will be essential to get an accurate account from the appointee.
Where appointees report that a claimant is unable to attend and participate in an
assessment, the Supplier should ascertain:
• whether this is temporary, and whether the assessment could be rearranged; or
• whether an alternative assessment channel would enable claimant attendance and
participation.
Where a claimant’s reasons for being unable to attend and participate are not temporary,
an assessment may go ahead with the appointee only as long as all of the following
conditions are satisfied:
• Issue relates to the claimant’s health condition(s) or impairment
• It is medically reasonable
• It is not due to choice or convenience.
If evidence to support non-attendance and non-participation is available, then it should be considered and noted.

Let me know how you get on.
David

Hi Sum

Thanks for your update.

David

Hi Sum

Thank you for your update. A lot of members who are appointees will be interested.

David