Notification of DWP Performance Measurement visit.

Hi Folks

Re: Notification of DWP Performance Measurement visit.


I was awarded ESA Support Group 1½ years ago and am also 2 years into a 5 year DLA award (HRC and LRM). In addition, I also receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

I've been given 9 days notice of something called "a Performance Measurement home visit" by a DWP case officer. The letter arrived out-of-the-blue. Does anyone have experience of how these interviews go and what I can expect?


Fond Regards
Leed46

leed46 wrote: Hi Folks

Re: Notification of DWP Performance Measurement visit.


I was awarded ESA Support Group 1½ years ago and am also 2 years into a 5 year DLA award (HRC and LRM). In addition, I also receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

I've been given 9 days notice of something called "a Performance Measurement home visit" by a DWP case officer. The letter arrived out-of-the-blue. Does anyone have experience of how these interviews go and what I can expect?


Fond Regards
Leed46

Hi L46,

It sounds very much like a different name for a "Compliance Interview".

Several of our members have had these, and in the vast majority of cases, all has been fine after the visit and checks have been made.

See :

www.gov.uk/dwp-visit

&

A Freedom of Information Request that was made regarding a Performance Measurement Visit

bro58

Bro,

Whilst the claimant has to comply with the interviewer is it necessary to welcome a DWP into one’s own home? I’m assuming they have no legal right of access so can a claimant say they would prefer to be interviewed on departmental premises?

Mari W

Hi MW,

The DWP response to The FOI request seems to state that they cannot insist on entering your home without your permission ;

" Q1. The legislation that gives a Performance Measurement review officer the powers to:

(b) gain entry to a claimants home without their permission in order to carry out the review."[

(DWP Response) "There is no legislation which allows Performance Measurement entry to a claimant's home without permission. Performance Measurement does not seek entry without the claimant's permission."

And that there is no risk to a claimants benefits if they do not give permission and want the interview to take place at "DWP premises".

"Q4. Please confirm that claimants may:

(a) refuse any Performance Measurement review officer entry to their home without any risk to their benefits."

(DWP Response)" This is the claimant's right, there is no risk to the claimant's benefit in the refusal to allow Performance Measurement into their home, the interview can be carried out on DWP premises."

From :

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/218158/re...%20Response.pdf.html

bro58

From the links, this forthcoming Performance Measurement home visit by a DWP officer appears to be slanted towards financial questioning rather than an unofficial stealthy re-assessment of my health and potential capability for work?

That is to say, I am anticipating being quizzed as to why £420 was credited to my bank account two months ago (my dad gave me the money for new carpets), rather than being quizzed about my night-time care needs or sleeping arrangements with my resident Carer (she has her own bedroom, along with her own social life, friends, bank account etc...)?

I am a little worried though as to whether things that I have sold on eBay or birthday money from my brother might put me in jeopardy if they're viewed as undeclared additional income?

Fond Regards
Leed46

leed46 wrote: From the links, this forthcoming Performance Measurement home visit by a DWP officer appears to be slanted towards financial questioning rather than an unofficial stealthy re-assessment of my health and potential capability for work?

That is to say, I am anticipating being quizzed as to why £420 was credited to my bank account two months ago (my dad gave me the money for new carpets), rather than being quizzed about my night-time care needs or sleeping arrangements with my resident Carer (she has her own bedroom, along with her own social life, friends, bank account etc...)?

I am a little worried though as to whether things that I have sold on eBay or birthday money from my brother might put me in jeopardy if they're viewed as undeclared additional income?

Fond Regards
Leed46

Hi l46,

These interviews do tend to go into finances more so than "capabilities/limitations".

However, I would surmise that The DWP officer will be making observations of you and your surroundings in the course of the interview.

If all of your ESA in The SG is Contribution Based (CB) ESA then there is no limit on any Capital, Assets or Savings that you may have. (Although I notice that you are in receipt of HB & CTB which does have limits, and may indicate that part of your ESA is Income Related (IR) ESA)

If any part of your ESA is IR ESA then you are allowed up to £6,000 in Capital, Assets and Savings without it having any effect.

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

Irregular monetary gifts from relatives, such as the one's that you mention, should not have any adverse effects.

They may quiz you over the "resident Carer", to check that you are not cohabiting as a "couple".

With regards to E-bay sales, again if these are irregular, and are personal belongings that you are selling, i.e. you are not running a business, this should not cause a problem.

Remember, you only have to respond to their queries, you do not have volunteer information.

Even though you may be questioned regarding all, or some of the above, if all is in order, there should be no adverse follow up to the interview.

bro58