Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reason people with fetal valproate spectrum disorder, which is a life-long disability, are required to re-apply for personal independence payment and disability living allowance.

Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself. Award rates and their durations are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant’s needs and the likelihood of those needs changing, including where childhood developmental milestones are reached. Award reviews allow for the correct rate of DLA or PIP to remain in payment, including where needs have increased as a consequence of a congenital, degenerative or progressive condition.