Copyright dailyrecord
A new Freedom of Information (FOI) request confirms ‘assessments’ for people claiming disability benefits in Scotland technically no longer exist. People applying for Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, may receive a ‘client consultation’ which is not conducted by a third-party health professional, but qualified practitioners employed at Social Security Scotland. The FOI response explains how Social Security Scotland does not “conduct assessments like the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions)”. It continued: “Our new service is known as a ‘client consultation’, not ‘assessment’, and is built on a relationship of trust with the client and grounded in the professional ethics and expertise of our health and social care practitioners across Scotland.” The response also confirms “functional examinations” have been removed as part of this new approach, with full guidance to help people understand the process available on MYGOV.SCOT. The Scottish Government’s approach and commitment to people making a new claim for disability benefits, and those already in claim, is to ensure they are receiving the support they are entitled to. It’s important to be aware while more than 3.8 million people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales will see reforms to eligibility for the DWP’s main disability benefits, the Scottish Government has no plans to introduce any changes. It’s also worth highlighting how Social Security Scotland may be able to make a decision on your application without the need for a consultation. The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT explains Social Security Scotland “will aim to make a decision about your Adult Disability Payment based on your application form and any supporting information”. In some cases, they will need to talk to you to make a decision on your application. They may also ask you to take part in a consultation with a health and social care practitioner from Social Security Scotland. You will only be invited to a consultation if it's the only way to get the information they need. Your consultation can be: The guidance confirms a consultation is “not a diagnosis or medical examination of your condition”. It continues: “It only covers the areas of your application that Social Security Scotland need more information about. “It’s important to go if you're invited. It's your chance to talk to Social Security Scotland about how your condition or disability affects your life. “They’ll use the information to write a report and send it to your case manager. This will help them make a decision on your application.” Social Security Scotland will send you an invitation letter. It will let you know what parts of your application they want to talk about, which can help you look out relevant information. You will also get a checklist, which you can use to make sure you have everything you need well in advance of the consultation. The guidance explains: “You should prepare and send us any supporting information before your appointment. This will help Social Security Scotland make a decision on your application.” During the consultation Social Security Scotland will talk about how your condition or disability affects you. They may also discuss some points you have already told them about in your application form - this is not aimed at querying your response, but gaining clarity or more information to help understand how your condition affects you. To prepare, you should think about: Social Security Scotland can also supply a copy of your application form for you to refer back to, just call them on 0800 182 2222. The full guide to client consultations can be found on MYGOV.SCOT.
