DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

Lord McDowell

Request 3818-Od21f214

e-mail: [DWP request email]

Our Ref: FOI 1066

Date: 4^th November 2008

Dear Lord McDowall

Request for information

I am writing to you about your request for information about Disability Living Allowance, which was received on 26/10/2008. “I am looking for a copy of the Assessment manual that decision makers use to make decisions on applications for Disability Living Allowance.”

Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act allows us to direct you to information which is already reasonably accessible to you. The information you requested is available on the Department of Work and Pensions website www.dwp.gov.uk. Guidance for Disability Living Allowance Decision Makers is contained within the Decision Makers Guide (www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/dmg/), the A-Z of Medical Conditions (www.dwp.gov.uk/medical/med_conditions/a-z.asp) and the Disability Handbook (www.dwp.gov.uk/medical/med_conditions/disability_handbook.asp).

If you are not satisfied with the handling of your request please tell us why, to the email address above, within two calendar months of the date of this letter. DWP will then arrange for someone to conduct an internal review of your request and its handling/decision. The review will be conducted by a senior officer. This person will have taken no part in the original decision. You will be advised of their decision in writing.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner to look into the way your request has been handled. Please note that generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have first exhausted DWP's own complaints procedure. The Commissioner can be contacted at:

FoI Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Fax: 01625 524 510

email: [email address]

Yours sincerely

DWP Central FoI Team