Pip medical - Anonomous allegation

I got this from DWP under an FOI request :

Re: DWP PIP IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME
 
The DWP process for investigating allegations of fraud remains unchanged.  If an allegation of fraud is received on an existing DLA claim (for example through the fraud hotline) DWP will look into the allegation and take any relevant action.  Clearly malicious and unfounded allegations will be discounted and not followed up with any action. 
 
Any potential fraud will be checked and investigated under current DLA rules.  This will be the same for any DLA claimant regardless of whether they live in a reassessment area or not.  Where the DWP receives information to suggest that a DLA award may be incorrect, but that no fraud is suspected, we will review the case and make sure the award continues at the correct rate. As I’m sure your aware many claimants visited under RPP, results in a increase of their DLA.

This action is carried out under what is known as the Right Payment Programme (RPP).  Where a case is referred for Right Payment Programme (RPP) action, we ask the claimant to complete a form to describe their care and mobility needs and provide any additional evidence they may have. The claimant may also be asked to attend a medical examination. RPP action under DLA rules will continue in areas where PIP reassessment has yet to start and in claims involving claimants who are outside the scope of reassessment: children under the age of 16; and older people who were aged 65 or over on 8 April 2013.

Claimants who live in one of the reassessment areas will not have their claim looked at against the existing DLA rules, but instead will be invited to claim PIP.  Claims dealt with under RPP are not being investigated for fraudulent activity.  DWP have a duty to investigate claims where we receive information that suggests that an existing award may be incorrect.  In determining someone’s continuing entitlement to benefit, decision makers only use information provided to them by the claimant and, where sought, advice from a health or social care professional. This applies whether the claim is being looked at under existing DLA rules or PIP rules. 

 Decision makers don’t have access to the original allegation. This makes sure the outcome decision is fair and has not been influenced by a malicious or false allegation.
 
I hope this answers your enquiry. If not please contact me by e-mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at the telephone number below.
 
Regards

Paul Bunting, Executive Officer
 
Paul Bunting | External Stakeholder Engagement Team Member | Department for Work and Pensions| 10th Floor | Palatine House | Preston | PR1 1HB | Internal Telephone: 66344 | External Telephone: 01772 899344|

Sorry, my information was on PIP, but it applies to any case of all benefits in suspected fraud.

Hi Gordon,

I can only apologise to you, bro58 and Mrs Hurtyback for my impatience. You all work very hard,
and sadly B &W now only have 3 moderators, with so many queries to answer, so my apologies to you all again.

Jim

I'm sorry to hear about what has happened to you. Some years back an allegation was made about me and I had an interview at a JCP about it. Once there I was able to put my side of the story and the two people who interviewed me were very pleasant. I still don't know to this day who falsely reported me, but it must have been someone I know well because of the nature of the allegation.
I wish you well.