THE REVIEW

There has been a lot of controversy and speculation since the DWP decided to make amendments to the "special rules" for customers claiming DLA and who are currently diagnosed with HIV. The DWP announced a review of all "special rules" The review will commence within the next year and will be looking at customers in the age bracket up to 55 and a sample of over 65's

WHY ARE THE "SPECIAL RULES" CHANGING

The Disability and Carers Service (DCS) have now announced the review which is proving very unpopular amongst claimants particularly gay men and is almost ultimately going to lead to claimants being taken off benefit or refused benefit at the application point.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

The process operates in a number of stages and these are quite similar as if you were re-applying for DLA.
1. You will receive a letter from the DCS asking for information about your condition, your current medication and about your current care needs.
2. Once you return the information normally your GP or your hospital consultant will be contacted to ascertain how your current condition effects you.
3. A decision will then be made by the DCS if your entitlement is to continue, it is at this stage that some entitlements may reduce and some may stop all together. Some decisions may be delayed whilst the DCS ask for further information about your care needs.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE LETTER FROM THE DCS

Firstly, please do not ignore this letter. To ignore it at this stage or a decision will be made in the absence of your answers or, it may ultimately lead to your entitlement being stopped.
Secondly, Try to let your GP or hospital consultant know that you have received this letter, as we have mentioned earlier the DCS will contact them for their medical opinion and it will he helpful to let them know they may be contacted about you and make an appointment with one of them to ensure they are up to date with your condition.
Thirdly, If you do not wish your GP or hospital consultant to be contacted, you have the option to tick the relevant box on page 8 of the form.

HOW CAN MY BENEFIT CLAIM HELP ME?

Here at My Benefit Claim we feel that what the DCS is doing is very unfair, afterall every person is different in that some will respond to treatment better than others, some will have long lasting medical and physiological effects and to have to go through the trauma of this is WRONG!!!
We have a specialist advisor here who is coherent with the current legislation and is a specialist within his field, we strongly urge you to contact us for the following reasons.