Child Disability Payment decision making guide
Requesting a case discussion
There are a number of circumstances in which a case manager may decide to make a formal request for a case discussion. Examples include:
- an application that contains conflicting information or relates to the combined impact of two or more conditions or disabilities
- an application which relates to a particularly complex or rare condition, or a fluctuating condition
- where there is a lack of supporting information, or where there is conflicting supporting information.
- where a case manager requires guidance interpreting regulations.
This list is not exhaustive. Where the request is made concerning an application or re-determination it must be approved by a line manager.
When making a request for a case discussion, a case manager should:
- define the specific questions they have
- provide any supporting information that is relevant to the request
- reference the relevant decision making guidance
- note the preferred type of the case discussion where appropriate and provide reasoning for this decision
- where appropriate, state whether it is the first request for a case discussion on a specific case or a follow up request.
There will be no hierarchy of supporting information. If a conflict arises between supporting information, case managers must provide clear reasoning for decisions based on one piece of information over another. If they cannot provide reasoning for preferring one piece of supporting information, they should consider requesting a case discussion.
A case manager should take a person-centred approach when deciding whether a case discussion is required in order to make a reasoned determination. For example, there may be circumstances in which formal supporting information is not available. This may be because it does not exist or because of extenuating personal circumstances. For more information on person centred approach, please see.
Case discussion requests should highlight the specific gaps which prevents a determination being made. This will allow the case discussion to focus on how these gaps may be filled and reduce the need for further case discussions on the same application. A case discussion may not be necessary if a case manager receives sufficient supporting information to allow them to make a determination in advance of the case discussion.