I was awarded DLA 3 years ago, I was awarded the middle rate for care and the higher rate for mobility.

[Mumito66]

I had to apply again but this time I was turned down and I now have to face an appeal on 25.01.12. Can anyone give me some advice as to who I should take with me and what I should do? I have had CSS for the past 16 years.

[PatriciaAnn]

If you go to the Vasculitis UK website - vasculitis.uk.org.uk - you will find Susan Mills' e-mail address. Susan is General Secretary of Vasculitis UK. If you contact her she will be able to let you have details about what you need to know and do if you are having to face an appeal tribunal.

Patricia

[Mumito66]

Thank you Patricia I'll do that and hopefully have ethe benefit that I need returned to me

[braindamage]

I received a great deal of help and support from my local disability support group. Their representative helped fill in the forms, accompanied me to the tribunal and I was awarded High rate mobility, mdium rate care allowances 'indefinately'

I hope you succeed. ATB

[Dbis22]

I was award DLA at those rates a long time ago ..... 'indefinitely' BUT does that really mean indefinitely?

[PatriciaAnn]

That word "indefinitely" causes me some concern. I wonder if the ones being reassessed are those of working age. No use trying to get the likes of me back to work as I've been drawing my pension for just a teenzy weenzy time. Is the intention to get people back to work if they can, or is it to ensure that anyone who can walk two paces will eventually lose their benefit?

[braindamage in reply to PatriciaAnn]

Hi. I was originally awarded Incap. benefit. Upon enforced retirement at the age of 60 it stopped and I went through the hoops for nearly two years before being awarded Higher rate DLA and mid rate care - indefinately. Strangely I'm also still in receipt of a very small monthly IB payment!

Must admit my walking abilities have deteriorated even further but I hope those who find themselves in a similar position will still be able to claim their entitlement. I'm now approaching my 66th birthday.

Braindamage46

[Dbis22]

I fear the latter! I fully anticipate losing my Incapacity Benefit and my DLA as soon as the DWP discover I have more than £20 in the bank. Being a mere 56 and now due to retire at 66 I anticipate that, by the time I get there, even State Pension will be means-tested. What happened to Cameron's Big Society?

[Hidden]

I'd echo the comments about contacting John & Susan and joining us at Vasculitis UK. Other help with all benefit issues is via benefitsand work.co.uk and also your local Citizen's Advice office. V-UK has a corporate login for access to the former to save you koining as an individual member. Utilising the resources of both has now resulted in me being awarded indefinite highr rate care and mobility after my initial 3 years. My final piece of advice is to ensure you complete the forms and ensure you state how bad you are on a bad day and not the opposite! None of us likes to admit how ill we can feel or how disabled our disease makes us but sometimes needs must!