Review of Appointee Arrangements

I’m an Appointee for my son. DWP have just carried out a review of his ESA and he has been placed back into the Support Group without a face-to-face assessment (which I requested) because of his mental health medical conditions. My son attempted suicide last time his ESA was reviewed two years ago at the thought of having to attend a face-to-face assessment.

DWP are presently assessing a claim for PIP as his DLA is ending. I have again requested a paper based assessment be carried out because of his medical conditions and suicidal behaviour with medical evidence to support the request. At the moment Independent Assessment Services are saying they need to carry out a face-to-face assessment but are reconsidering in the light of further medical evidence requested from my son's Psychiatrist.

Today, out of the blue I get a phone call from the DWP saying they want to carry out a review of the Appointee arrangement. The lady who called would not tell me exactly what they wanted to know. She said it was a random review. I am totally suspicious as the timing seems to be too much of a coincidence. She said she is aware of the recent ESA award and the current PIP application. She said she was aware of my son’ likely aggressive behaviour at such a meeting.

Could you please tell me what goes on at one of these Appointee reviews. What sort of questions are they likely to ask? What are they trying to find out? She wants to see both myself and my son.

There is a significant risk of a deterioration in his already fragile mental health if this meeting goes ahead. Who wants to have to deal with that over Christmas. Do I have any options to defer it until after Christmas or get it cancelled.

Barney

Gordon,

He is age 40.

Could you please tell me what goes on at one of these Appointee reviews. What sort of questions are they likely to ask? What are they trying to find out? She wants to see both myself and my son.

There is a significant risk of a deterioration in his already fragile mental health if this meeting goes ahead. Who wants to have to deal with that over Christmas. Do I have any options to defer it until after Christmas or get it cancelled.