New Fuel Deductions Ending- the government say '...Energy suppliers may only request new deductions for energy debt arrears and not request new ongoing consumption payments or change existing ongoing consumption payments until 6 April 2023. Claimants will continue to be able to request new deductions for arrears and ongoing consumption.'
Why is it ending? '...With record energy prices, paying energy bills in full is likely to place an unusually high strain on claimants’ ability to meet other needs. With other inflationary pressures also present, the Department feels it is essential that claimants are fully in control of what could be significant payments from their benefit award.'
PIP medicals normally on the telephone-
The government says-''Currently, all claimants to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be offered a telephone or video assessment where a paper-based assessment is not possible and a face-to-face assessment at an assessment centre is not appropriate. Home assessments were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are working towards re-introducing these where other assessment channels are not possible. Attendance Allowance care needs are assessed on paper-based evidence alone, with extra support available for vulnerable customers. Disability Living Allowance for children does not assess children and all decisions are taken on the basis of paper-based evidence.' statistics tell us-
Decrease in appeals and success rate- Appeal statistics show- '...receipts, disposals and caseload outstanding have all decreased when compared to July to September 2020, by 31%, 37% and 52% respectively.' Also '59% had the initial decision revised in favour of the claimant (down from 69% and 72% in the same period in 2020 respectively)'
Help to Claim(via Citizens Advice) not in person- the government has said 'From April 2022, the support will be provided through telephony and digital channels. For those individuals who are unable to access support via these channels, they will be able to go to their local jobcentre, where jobcentre staff will identify the right support to meet their needs.'
Terminal Illness rules change- from 4/4/2022 the definition of terminally illness for Universal Credit and ESA has been changed. ' “terminally ill” in relation to a claimant, means that the claimant is suffering from a progressive disease and that death in consequence of that disease can reasonably be expected within 12 months.' Similar changes for the special rules for DLA, PIP and AA will be made when parliamentary time allows.