Justifying a decision to set a review date or choose an Indefinite Award

If you choose to set a review date, you should justify your reasoning in the decision report. For example:

The client experienced a left-sided partial anterior circulation stroke three months ago. They are undergoing an intensive period of rehabilitation involving a multi-disciplinary team including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. It is likely that this will impact upon their level of need. Therefore an award with a review period of two years is appropriate.

Similarly, if you choose to make an indefinite award, you should justify your reasoning. For example:

The client has dementia and requires round-the-clock assistance from their paid carer and a family member with a number of bodily functions. It is likely that their condition will progress over time and their needs will be highly unlikely to reduce. The client is already in receipt of the higher rate of the benefit. This means that an increase in needs would not result in an increase of award. An indefinite award is appropriate.

You should justify the length of the review period with reference to any and all relevant facts that you have taken into consideration. For more information on how to justify a determination in the decision report, please refer to operational guidance.