Was It Worth Appling for DLA.

[mattcass]

Hi All, After reading so many times about how strict the DWP and so many claims being refused is it worth me claiming as my CSP and SSP has run out and I have to apply for ESP, Besides me having Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis along with Rheumatoid Arthritis I only applied when my GP and Consultants advised me to as it could be a while before my transplant and the recovery period could be just as long, even the CAB said I might get the lower rate, But he said that they refuse you intentionally hoping that you wont appeal then they might give you the lower at the second attempt hoping you will be happy with that. What do you think should I just forget if I get refused,mattcass

[Hidden]

Hi mattcass, I know you find all this a bit soul destroying, but please do not give up. I had to swallow my pride as they put me into a position where I was desperate for the help I needed. I appealed, went to Citizen Advice, explained, and thankfully they fought my appeal tooth and nail for me as I was in no state mentally to do so. Citizen Advice said it was a struggle as I was not being listened to fairly. Anyway They won my appeal. Even the Judge said that I should not have had to appeal. Got the lower rate but it does help. Please appeal if you have to for your own peace of mind. Good luck. MC

[66ra]

Many many people go to appeal and win keep with it if atos turn you down the appeal panel should give it to you .that is my experience anyway good luck

[fastball]

You should never give up, apply and then appeal if you have to. Then if you dont get it reapply i did it took me years and i know it was DLA then but it still the same, go for it .

Best of luckXXX

Chris

[earthwitch]

You have an enormously higher chance of getting it the first time if you use an organisation like CAB (disability advisors) to help you fill it in. They have access to the decision makers guides, so know exactly what words to use and most importantly, what not to say. I do think they try and knock you back a level if they possibly can. I got dropped back and its proved too difficult to get it back to what I think I strictly should be eligible for, though I'm not complaining as anything helps.

If you get the help to fill it in, then don't assume you will get turned down straight off on principle. I have now had the initial application and four renewals and never had to appeal, but I know my form was filled in perfectly and checked properly..

The other thing that really makes a huge difference is to make sure your doctors know how your disability affects you. They are put in an odd position by DWP when they are asked to confirm your level of disability, when chances are they haven't a clue how hard it is for you to get in and out of bed, or walk a certain distance. If they can't confirm it, then they have to say they don't know, and that "don't know" can be enough to knock you back. I always make a summary of my form before I send it in, and then book a GP appointment and take it in and give it to them - saying "I've just applied for DLA again, and I thought I'd better update you on what I am currently having difficult with". They have always appreciated the one to two page summary, put it in my file, then when they get the request from DLA to confirm, they have it right there to refer to. If I think DWP is going to contact the consultant, then I send them a copy of it with a brief covering note saying the same thing as I said to GP

[Sharon56]

Definitely dont give up your DLA claim. I know its hard but I agree with everyone else keep on trying and good luck.

[Sailaway]

I guess you're going to the same advice shop I went to, in Bathgate? If you need to appeal they will help you with it, and they have an excellent record of winning appeals so there's no need to give up. It's worth having DLA, and you might still have good news. I did, and it's making a huge difference. I hope they don't take too long to make the decision.

[binlid]

yes apply same as you my csp ran out went on esa they havejusttold me ihavebeen putin support group i was turned dow for dla but kept asking and submitting further imformation eventuallt igot lower ratecare which was better than nothing but as abovei made the misake of not imforming doc prperly and as has been aid she could only put dont know i had an atos doc come out wellsay no more. iam going to apply again as i am now in support grouptil oct2014 donot giveup its apain but you are ill and thats it xxxxx good luck

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Mattcass

I don't think you should be put off of applying or appealing a decision. We have also been hearing that many people have been successful on appeal if they were turned down for DLA.

Also, not sure if you are aware, but DLA has now been replaced by a benefit called Personal Independence Payments (PIP). We will have a booklet on this, hopefully by the end of the month, but in the meantime, here is some good information on PIP:

turn2us.org.uk/information_...

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline)

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS in reply to Victoria-NRAS]

For some reason this didn't all hyperlink, but if you go to the Turn2Us site and search for PIP you should find it.

turn2us.org.uk/