Thought I'd tell you about this, not just because I had a great result but hoping it might give members more confidence to appeal.
2 weeks ago my hubby asked if I'd had my yearly up-rate for my benefits., well I couldn't remember that I even got one. I get the lowest rate DLA at the moment. Anyway I hadn't had it. Checked my bank account which I never look at and found I hadn't been paid since January 2012...yes I know, how stupid can someone be but I'm so unreliable with banking stuff [and most other things] that hubby deals with all the bills etc. from his account.
Hubby rang DWP and was told I was no longer entitled to benefits because I hadn't answered a letter they'd sent me. It seems I was chosen for a computer generated random check and I hadn't replied, don't know if anyone else has had this ?
My group benefits advisor filled in all the paperwork for my appeal on the basis that I had moved house and given them my new address and how can I answer a letter I hadn't received ? Yesterday I received a reply from DWP...My benefits have been reinstated and they have agreed to pay my arrears.
All I'm saying is that no matter how competent you feel to complete forms, always get someone else to help you if you can. Join your local group and get help and advice. DWP obviously didn't find in strange that I didn't know I hadn't been paid for so long d'oh ! What a wally