Monday 20th April – Update

As a result of the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has made changes to the employment and disability benefits system, which could affect the support autistic people are able to access.

Both the process of applying for and receiving benefits have changed, as well as the level of support people receive during this period. These changes apply to people who are unemployed or looking for work, people who are in work at the moment, and people who need disability benefits.

Changes to the process of applying for disability benefits

The Government has announced measures aimed at speeding up access to certain benefits and making sure people can access these benefits safely from their own home during the coronavirus outbreak. This is what’s changed:

• Assessments: For many benefits, claimants have to attend assessments to determine their eligibility and the level of support they need. All face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits have been suspended for three months (from 17 March). Anyone with an assessment appointment will be contacted to discuss what happens next.- Reviews: Reviews and reassessments” for all disability benefits have been suspended for at least three months (from 23 March). Where benefit awards are due to expire, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will extend end-dates so that claimants continue to receive their existing level of support.
• Applying for Universal Credit: People making new claims for Universal Credit will no longer need to call the DWP as part of the process. Instead the DWP will call claimants if they need to check any of the information provided as part of the online claim, as well as messaging them on their online journal to confirm details. 

Changes to Jobcentre Plus visits

People receiving benefits do not have to attend jobcentre appointments for at least three months, starting from Thursday 19 March 2020. You will continue to receive your benefits as normal, but all requirements to attend the jobcentre in person are suspended. You can still make applications for benefits online if you are eligible. Jobcentres remain open, but you should not attend unless you’re told to do so.