3 July 2007
Major changes to adult and child Disability Living Allowance claim packs and to the Attendance Allowance pack are in the pipeline.The DWP have announced that, following the success of the new adult claim pack introduced at the end of April 2007, a new AA claim pack based on the DLA pack is to be piloted later this year. If the pilot is successful the current short AA claim pack will be replaced by a much longer one, probably in 2008.
In addition, a pilot child DLA pack is currently being designed, once again based on the new adult DLA claim pack.
Finally, major changes to the new adult DLA claim pack are expected to be introduced in October 2007. The changes are intended to make the pack more appropriate for claimants with mental health conditions. Whilst any effective changes in this regard are to be welcomed, many observers will be concerned that the new claim pack was issued before such provisions were put in place.
In other changes, 'tailored and customer-focused' DLA appeal submissions are being piloted at Midlands Disability Centre and Warbreck House, Blackpool. The pilot is due to end in September and will then be evaluated.
