Wed, 21/01/2009 - 5:08pm
Having heard about the DLA review last February, and knowing that I receive the higher rates of DLA under the special rules, I've spent the last year dreading the arrival of the initial review form (DBD551?).
And I'm still waiting...
I guess I'm lucky that I've not had to deal with this yet, but it does feel like a very black cloud hanging over me. Having gone through some major upheavals recently, the uncertainty of what lies ahead is making it harder to make decisions that will have long-term ramifications, and try and get myself back on track.
Are there many of us who still haven't had 1st contact?
PDF version
Thanks for this. I know of many who still await 1st contact. The process for those involved in it has taken many months, five on average. Towards the end of last year we noticed that some decisions seemed to happen within weeks of medical reports being recieved. However the introduction of the Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) may have much to do with this, and any delay.
As far as I know the review is still ongoing. However as many who claim DLA also are recieving Incapacity Benefit, when people are moved across to ESA and the Work Capability Assessment is done. This may trigger another review of DLA.
Thereafter ESA will be reviewed every two years, as I read it, if you are in the support group.