No DLA

[Bridgend]

what a suprise been turned down for DLA award twice now is it worth appealing again the stress of the last appeal made me ill, i suffer from uncontroled asthma and deppression it seems the decision maker wont listen to my problems. any suggestions please as i dont know what to do next. thankyou.

[scotts35]

IMHO it's not worth it if you got it you would be one of the 20% that are going to loose it when PIP (personal independence payment) arrives in 2013. Not having stress which is causing suffering is a positive claiming and loosing will be a negative for almost half a million that did qualify.

[stone-UK]

As we are not far of the new PIP which replaces DLA. even a successfull claim will have to be re-assessed. you may wish to consider you options by ringing the BLF helpline on monday.

03000 030 555 where you will be able to discus you claim and refusal in more detail. As you say the stress is bad enough once without having to go througth it time and time again. best of luck.

[Gordon57]

Anyone who get's DLA 'now' will not be reassessed straight away. New claims from 2013 onward will be for PIP, while DLA is phased out. For some, it may be 2016 before they are taken into account.

For that reason I'd say yes, it's worth appealing and appealing until you can do no more. Get help in putting your case forward. It may be that you've not got a very good case, in the eyes of the decision maker, because you have not told them everything that affects you. You have to describe how certain things affect you and don't be saying 'but on a good day I can manage' as that's not helping.

Get 'evidence' of your condition. Letters from doctors or the hospital are useful. Have you applied for any other disability related benefits like a bus pass, blue badge, home improvements ?

I'm going through this right now. I was turned down on my first application in 2009 and got right up to the tribunal stage, which I failed because I got there by myself

I applied again this year, was turned down, appealed, and have just has the ATOS doctor to see me this last week. I'm waiting to hear from the DWP decision maker now.

If you've not done so already, get some help from an organisation that knows what to put on the forms and how to handle appeals. The local CAB may be of help, or try DIAL if theres one near you. Age UK also have a support line.

[hufferpuffer]

benefitsandwork.co.uk/index... Hello, if you can afford to be a member it might be of great help, I think it is all good advice.

[grandma3]

I am under the impression that if one is over pension age then no re-assessment will be necessary. Read that in the Saga magazine I believe. They are very reliable

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi

It is really frustating when you are turned down for benefits. Did you have help from an agency when you applied? If so they may be able to help with representation at a tribunal or at a review.

When you applied did you complete a diary - approx 5 - 7 days of what life is like for you with the illness you have and how this impacts on your personal care -washing, dressing etc and also you mobility on a flat level outside?

Deciding whether to appeal can be a big decision and for some people the stress can be too much and they decide not to go any further.

Would the money make a difference to you, would you be able to do more things with it?

If you can call us on the helpline we will be more than happy to discuss the options with you.

03000 030 555.

Cheers

Jo

[Bridgend]

Thanls Jo i will be in touch