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Change of circumstances - wait or inform now?
- Mitch
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9 months 2 weeks ago #286325 by Mitch
Change of circumstances - wait or inform now? was created by Mitch
Hi everyone!
Thank you in advance for your help!
If an applicant has a negative change in circumstances a few weeks after their assessment and before they receive their decision, then should they let the DWP know?
Someone I work with used to rely on someone else cooking and preparing food for them but this has suddenly changed and the person is now without anybody to do this - and won’t be able to get a replacement. Should the DWP be contacted about this?
Also, I’ve read about some changes having to be present for at least 3 months. Can anyone explain this? The DWP website states changes in circumstances must be notified immediately.
Thank you!
Thank you in advance for your help!
If an applicant has a negative change in circumstances a few weeks after their assessment and before they receive their decision, then should they let the DWP know?
Someone I work with used to rely on someone else cooking and preparing food for them but this has suddenly changed and the person is now without anybody to do this - and won’t be able to get a replacement. Should the DWP be contacted about this?
Also, I’ve read about some changes having to be present for at least 3 months. Can anyone explain this? The DWP website states changes in circumstances must be notified immediately.
Thank you!
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- BIS
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9 months 2 weeks ago #286338 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Change of circumstances - wait or inform now?
Hi Mitch
When you've read about the 'three-month' rule, the DWP refers to the medical condition. So, if a claimant of PIP wants the DWP to take note of a particular condition - they must have had it for at least three months before they send in a form and a certainty that it will continue for at least the following nine months. So it is no good for someone writing to the DWP reporting a change of circumstances such as a new diagnosis if they haven't had it for at least three months.
If a person has a sudden deterioration in their health and it is one of their ongoing conditions - they should report it immediately. However, in reality people don't always because they may not be in the position to do so, or it may not make any difference to their current award - eg if they already had enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility. Some people don't report until their next review date because they are worried about the chance of a review being bought forward.
If someone has a positive change in their health, the DWP definitely wants to know immediately because someone may be paid money they are no longer entitled to.
Your example is about support. You can report it now, but as the assessment has just taken place, they may well not look at the letter. If the DWP acknowledge the person needs support - they won't care if the claimant suddenly isn't getting it, because awards can be made on the need for support and not whether the support is actually in place. However, if you believe this change is key to their application - send it off.
BIS
When you've read about the 'three-month' rule, the DWP refers to the medical condition. So, if a claimant of PIP wants the DWP to take note of a particular condition - they must have had it for at least three months before they send in a form and a certainty that it will continue for at least the following nine months. So it is no good for someone writing to the DWP reporting a change of circumstances such as a new diagnosis if they haven't had it for at least three months.
If a person has a sudden deterioration in their health and it is one of their ongoing conditions - they should report it immediately. However, in reality people don't always because they may not be in the position to do so, or it may not make any difference to their current award - eg if they already had enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility. Some people don't report until their next review date because they are worried about the chance of a review being bought forward.
If someone has a positive change in their health, the DWP definitely wants to know immediately because someone may be paid money they are no longer entitled to.
Your example is about support. You can report it now, but as the assessment has just taken place, they may well not look at the letter. If the DWP acknowledge the person needs support - they won't care if the claimant suddenly isn't getting it, because awards can be made on the need for support and not whether the support is actually in place. However, if you believe this change is key to their application - send it off.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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