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<p>The Department encourages claimants to provide as much relevant evidence as necessary
to support their claim. The “How your disability affects you” form and accompanying
guidance sets out the range of information that can help the Department reach a decision.
The guidance for Health Professionals also sets out sources of further evidence which
could help inform their advice to the Department, this includes family members, carers
or anyone else who supports them.</p><p> </p><p>Before claimants are invited for a
face-to-face consultation, all of the evidence held is reviewed and if, at that stage,
a decision can be made on the paper evidence alone, then claimants will not be required
to attend a face-to-face consultation. Alternatively, further evidence that might
help inform the Department’s decision on the claim can be requested by the Health
Professional.</p><p> </p><p>If the Health Professional cannot provide advice to the
Department at this stage, or where there is insufficient or no other suitable sources
of evidence on which to make an assessment, claimants will be invited to attend a
face-to-face consultation. This gives claimants the opportunity to put across their
own views of the impact of their health condition on their everyday lives, ensuring
that decisions reflect the best evidence. In some cases we carry out consultations
in the claimant’s home.</p>
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