Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Hansard, 20 January 1999)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

The training of Benefits Agency staff is a matter for its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to you.

113WA

Letter to Baroness Brigstocke from the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Mr. P. Mathison, dated 19 January 1999.

I am replying to your recent parliamentary Question asking whether the training of Benefit Officers includes a proper appreciation of systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the disabilities it can cause.

The training given to Benefits Agency adjudication officers administering Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA), includes guidance on the most appropriate sources to gain the information they require to determine eligibility. The Disability Handbook, prepared by doctors in the Department of Social Security Medical Policy Group, contains advice from the Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board on a wide range of disabling conditions. It contains a chapter on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This includes general background, care needs and mobility considerations. It also states that, because SLE is relatively uncommon, it is usually advisable to obtain a hospital factual report from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or community psychiatric nurse.

Their training also includes sessions from doctors about the effects of disabling conditions on a person's need for help with personal care and/or mobility. Once trained they also have direct access to doctors working under contract to the Benefits Agency from whom they can seek formal or informal advice.

In the case of other benefits (e.g. Incapacity Benefits, Industrial Injuries Benefit, or Severe Disablement Allowance) the qualification decisions are informed by input from medical practitioners.

I hope you find this reply helpful.