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Indefinite awards (awards without a review date)
Indefinite awards are awards without a review date.
Indefinite awards should be given where setting a review date would not be appropriate. This is the case where the available information suggests the individual’s level of need related to their conditions or disability is highly unlikely to change in the long-term.
Whether the needs of an individual with a lifelong condition are highly unlikely to change depends on a range of factors, rather than just on the individual’s condition. These factors are outlined in this chapter Relevant considerations for setting a review period section. The nature of the individual’s condition is only one of many indications.
It is essential that you consider all relevant factors to build up a holistic picture of the individual’s circumstances and the likelihood of their needs changing over time. This should include accounting for how likely the individual is to report a change of circumstances related to their condition, disability, or needs.
You should also consider the age an individual would be at their next review. If an individual will be of an advanced age, it might be more appropriate to give them an indefinite award. See the Age section for more information.
Generally, individuals do not have to have severe conditions to be eligible for an indefinite award. Rather than focusing on the severity of their conditions, when deciding whether an indefinite award is appropriate, you must consider whether or not an indefinite award would be appropriate, based on the likelihood of the individual’s needs changing as detailed above. For example, if it is unlikely that an individual who is not on a maximum Scottish Adult DLA award would report if their needs had increased due to their circumstances or condition, an indefinite award might not be right for them.
It is important that before deciding not to set a review date, you have enough information to make this decision. If you incorrectly choose not to set a review date, this may mean an individual continues to be paid the wrong rate of assistance after their needs have changed, if they do not report the change in circumstances.
There is no requirement for the individual to have a terminal illness in choosing not to set a review date. Individuals who have a terminal illness will not have a scheduled review of their entitlement. Special rules for terminal illness awards are ongoing without review. There will be no review period and an individual remains eligible unless they have informed Social Security Scotland that their circumstances have changed. For more information on making a determination on a terminal illness case please refer to the SRTI chapter.
Example: An individual’s significant needs are highly unlikely to change
Wilson (73) has a history of alcohol addiction spanning several decades. His excessive alcohol consumption has led to the development of severe peripheral neuropathy causing numbness, tingling and weakness in feet and hands. Additionally, Wilson has been experiencing symptoms of confusion for a long time. This is suggestive of Korsakoff’s syndrome, a neurological disorder often associated with chronic alcohol abuse.
His peripheral neuropathy causes difficulty walking, loss of balance and chronic pain in his limbs. Wilson also demonstrates signs of cognitive impairment such as disorientation and memory loss. His alcohol addiction is identified as a significant contributor to his current medical and neurological issues.
Wilson’s support worker reports a change of circumstances on Wilson’s behalf. In the form, they state that Wilson now requires another person to be awake at frequent intervals for the purpose of watching over him at night. This is because Wilson has tends to try and get up multiple times during the night and needs another person in order to avoid substantial danger to himself. This is to use the bathroom or because he experiences pain or confusion when waking up during the night. Wilson tends to lose balance and fall when trying to make his way into the bathroom. In the past he has slipped on the bathroom floor and hit his head and knees. Wilson can also get lost on his way to the bathroom or his way back to his bedroom. If this happens, he can feel overwhelmed and worried, resulting in him needing another person to help him go to the bathroom and settle back into bed. The support worker also explains that, due to
- the complex nature of his condition
- the length of time he has had an issue with alcohol; and
- Wilson’s age,
the damage is irreversible and Wilson is being considered for supported accommodation to offer assistance with daily living, medication and access to healthcare services.
After case familiarisation, the case manager requests a case discussion because they are unsure what review period might be appropriate for Wilson. They are wondering whether Wilson could potentially experience a decrease in needs after a phase of adapting to his supported accommodation and whether therefore a short review period might be best.
However, the practitioner explains that, although Wilson may abstain from alcohol, the damage is irreversible and his needs are highly likely to increase over time due to his degenerative condition, even if he moves into supported accommodation. The case manager decides to award Wilson an indefinite award.