News

A Benefits and Work member who was refused entry to the support group of employment and support allowance has succeeded in getting the decision overturned, even though they were out of time to appeal, thanks to our January newsletter.

In that newsletter we revealed secret guidance issued by the DWP in relation to the understanding communication activity in the work capability assessment. The guidance, issued last November but not made public until a few weeks ago, changed previous advice as to whether claimants who had either visual or hearing impairments, but not both, could be eligible for the support group.

Previously Atos health professionals had been told that claimants must have problems both with seeing and hearing before they could be awarded points.

But guidance uncovered by RNIB and published by Benefits and Work explained that claimants with either vision or hearing problems could be awarded points and even considered for the support group.

That guidance has now been published in full by the DWP.

However, even before it had been officially published one of our members, who has a visual impairment but no hearing impairment and had been placed in the work-related activity group, sent a copy to the DWP asking for the decision to be looked at again. Even though our member was two days out of time for an appeal the decision maker revised their decision and placed them in the support group.

You can read about our members experience at:

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