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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many of those cases taken to review for disability living allowance in 2003-04 (a) were refused on review and (b) were granted on review; and how many in each category cited myalgic encephalomyelitis or the category most closely approximating to myalgic encephalomyelitis as the principal disabling condition; [202822] (2) how many of those cases refused disability living allowance on application in 2003-04 (a) were taken to review, (b) were taken to appeal without prior review and (c) were taken no further; and how many in each category cited myalgic encephalomyelitis or the category most closely approximating to myalgic encephalomyelitis as the principal disabling condition; [202823] (3) how many claims were lodged for disability living allowance in 2003-04; and how many cited myalgic encephalomyelitis or the category most closely approximating to myalgic encephalomyelitis as the principal disabling condition; [202824] (4) how many of the total claims lodged for disability living allowance in 2003-04 (a) were refused on application and (b) were granted on application; and how many in each category cited myalgic encephalomyelitis or the category most closely approximating to myalgic encephalomyelitis as the principal disabling condition. [202825] Maria Eagle: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out as follows. Disability living allowance (DLA) 2003-04 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. All claims1 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)2 Number of claims made 442,150 n/a Number of claims allowed 217,525 12,300 Number of claims refused 220,215 n/a Number of claims reconsidered 120,510 n/a Number of claims refused after 4,435 n/a reconsideration Number of claims allowed after 116,075 n/a reconsideration Number of appeals received 84,115 n/a _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1 The figures for all claims are taken from the MIS computer system, 100 per cent. data for year ended 31 March 2004. Figures are in thousands rounded to the nearest 5. 2 Figures for new awards for chronic fatigue syndromes, including ME/post viral medical conditions, are taken from a 5 per cent. sample for year ended 31 May 2004. Figures are in thousands rounded to the nearest 100. Notes: 1. From November 2002, the methodology for producing the figures for all claims was changed to allow statistics to be published much sooner. This has resulted in a small increase in the reported caseload. This is because some cases which have actually terminated but have not yet been updated on the computer system are now included. 2. Claims received in one year are not necessarily cleared in the same year. 3. The number of claims reconsidered include applicants who received an award at a lower rate and/or for a shorter duration. 4. The figure for appeals received at the Appeals Service cannot be broken down by appeals without prior reconsideration and those that were received after reconsideration. 5. Medical conditions are not recorded on the MIS system and only a total figure can be provided.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

428 c662-3W; 202822;202823;202824;202825

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Disability living allowance Appeals Applications Benefits rules ME/CFS Reviews

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk