26 July 2007
Last month we revealed the existence of a mini DLA renewal form which is currently being piloted and which had been sent to a Benefits and Work member. Instead of filling out a standard DLA claim pack, claimants can choose to simply say that there has been no change in their condition, or explain any change that has taken place, and give the DWP permission to contact their GP or other health professional.
We have now heard from the same member that their claim has been renewed indefinitely at the same level and that the entire process took less than 3 weeks.
However, it is worth noting that this claimant enclosed with their mini-form a supporting letter from their consultant, who was well versed in the criteria for DLA awards. It is also notable that the Customer Content Management criteria explained elsewhere on this site were the primary ones used, as the award letter explained that the decision was based on 'current treatment, medication, test results, & symptoms'.
We continue to urge caution if you are given the choice of completing a mini-form. But if you have a long standing condition and the support of a knowledgeable health professional then it is certainly worth considering.
