Written question asked by Roger Godsiff (Labour) on Friday, 13 November 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 November 2015 (named day). It was answered by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 November 2015 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what procedure his Department follows in investigating cases of discrepancies between statements in disability benefit claimant questionnaires and assessor reports.

Answer: Following the gathering of evidence, including the assessor’s report which would reflect the claimants own evidence from the consultation and the questionnaire, a DWP decision maker will decide the facts of the case and then make a decision, applying those facts to the conditions for benefit. Any contradictions within the evidence will be decided on the balance of probabilities. The claimant can raise any such issues again at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16266
Session: 2015-16
Subjects: Disability Medical examinations Social security benefits Questionnaires
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk