Assistance Allowance

[Cairn]

I am debating whether to Appeal against a decision for the above. I was amazed by the lack of knowledge and understanding of GCA when a decision maker rang me. I don't know whether to pursue or am I setting myself up for stress I don't need

[Breconblue]

Hi Cairn . What Assistance have you applied for ? Is it PIP ?

[Cairn in reply to Breconblue]

It should have read attendance allowance

[Breconblue in reply to Cairn]

I work in Citizens Advice, I think it is worth making an appointment and get them to help appeal. Unfortunately, the DWP don’t use staff any more with any medical or nursing knowledge, so they definitely won’t understand PMR. However, the appeal should focus on how the illness affects you and your ability to live a normal life. The tendency for people is ,believe it or not on these forms to write optimistically. That’s no good. You have to write about your very worst days.

[Cairn in reply to Breconblue]

Couldn’t get CAB to answer phone. So will read their advice on their website. But thank you for your help

[Breconblue in reply to Breconblue]

I’m afraid most centres don’t have enough staff to answer phone calls. If you have a centre near you it’s best to drop in, if they can’t help you with a firm there and then they should make you an appointment, takes about an hour

[Cairn in reply to Breconblue]

Thanks for your support. Can’t do anything at the moment just gone into massive flare. Consultant increased steroids and having more blood tests Monday to confirm if it is PMR or something else. This is pants

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I think that’s the problem, there is very little understanding of our illnesses.

I applied for AA back in the day before it became PIP, didn’t get it, appealed, still didn't get it (despite loss of vision in one eye).

My husband a number years previously had applied for AA and got it almost without any further questions when we said he had angina. Something the system was aware of, and obviously on a tick list which said “yes”.

The assessments are much more stringent nowadays as well I think, so if you are appealing you need someone with insider knowledge - CAB for example, and there is one lady on the forum that used to work in the system - she may offer advice.

As to whether you go on, that is your decision I’m afraid, but as you acknowledge it may well be stressful.

[Cairn in reply to DorsetLady]

Have been ringing CAB all day with no answer. But there is advice on their website so will have to go with that. But thank you for your help

[Rose54]

Hi

is it attendance allowance you applied for ?

If so thay do have a strict criteria and PMR/GCA thay consider is well controlled with medication .

But yes it is worth appealing thier decision but I would advise you get help from Age UK ,CAB or Welfare Rights .

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rose54]

I thought you’d know the answers.❤️

[Rose54 in reply to DorsetLady]

I wish I had all the answers

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Rose54]

You’ve probably a better idea than most of us!

[Mimigirl19]

I’ve applied for attendance allowance over a year ago having widespread osteoarthritis. I’ve gone through all processes and I am awaiting final decision from Tribunal. It’s very stressful but the Citizens Advice will help. Whether or not my claim is successful remains to be seen. I would still advise anyone to follow through despite the stress involved. Good luck with your application.