DLA

[Elliot]

Hi This is my first post so I want to introduce myself first - I'm Elliot, 18 (nearly ) and have Aspergers and Dyspraxia.

 

I'd really appreaciate some help from people who have been through the appeal procedure for DLA, I am getting very stressed about it and am unsure on what to do (My Mum is helping me) but I'm still really confused about it.

 

When I turned 16 I began to recieve DLA and have been recieving it for the past 2 years I was recieving £360 a month I have Aspergers and Dyspraxia. I was recieving this because as the renewal claim I got before said that I would recieve the money because I was unable to look after myself during the day and night or prepare a fresh meal (there were other things I can't remember)

 

I just recently renwed the DLA and got a letter back saying that I would now only get £40 a week (£160 a month) because i couldn't cook a meal for myself

 

That is simply untrue, I have many other things wrong with me and it's not just as simple as being unable to cook a meal if it was I wouldn't even be applying for this benefit as I'd be able to work full time and provide for myself but I am unable to

 

My Mum rang them on behalf of me and they said on the phone that I could appeal against the decision and send any more infomation that I want to and they will re-asses my claim.

 

When my Mum spoke to them the lady said this

 

" It shows on the left of my screen that he might not be entitled to anything at all" I can't remember the rest of what she said but basically she gave the impression that If I did appeal or had my claim looked at again they might find I am entitled to nothing.

 

I don't know if that was just a empty threat to stop me from appealing and claiming more money or if that is actually the case? I now don't know whether to have them re look at my case or not. I don't want to end up with nothing at all

 

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies

[lee2010]

My girlfriend recently asked for her dla claim to be looked at again as she was advised she was entitled to higher rate than the lower one she was getting. She was also advised that if she asked them to do so she may lose her dla which as you stated seemed like a threat, she has lost all hr benefits due to asking them to look at it again even though she is clearly entitled to them as she has bipolar.

 

Unfortunately this seems to be a pattern which is happening now anyone who is up for a review or asked for the claim to be looked at seems to lose their dla, we are now having to to take the matter further an have ben advised it can take upto a year and we are left financially struggling even though we have evidnce and is clear she entitled to it.

 

I hope the same doesnt happen in your case but they are looking at all claims in my opinion they will try to get as many people off it as they can as they have mandate to get so many people off it, this leaves me fuming at the way we are all been treated.

[Lynden]

even though she is clearly entitled to them as she has bipolar.

 

I don't think it's as clear cut as just having a disorder. One of my dear friends has bipolar but it is well managed so she can function perfectly well, has kids and a job so would not be entitled to DLA. I'm not saying that's the case in your situation as your girlfriend might be quite disabled by it but your statement makes it sound like the diagnosis means benefits are a given right.

 

With regard to the original poster - do you have access to someone who can help you and your Mum fill in the form to show your full care needs? It's all about how you word the forms and you have to look at worst case scenario - what is life like for you on your bad days. If you ask for them to look at it again and still are not happy with the decision you can then go to appeal.

 

Good luck.

 

Lynne

[philtfa]

Appeal!

 

They are on a bit of a crusade at the moment to get a lot of people off DLA, unfortunately there is no logic to their approach. They seem to be targeting evryone. My partner was told that she was no longer eligible for DLA despite nothing having changed to her condition. She appealed, was then told it would go court for a hearing, then later told that her appeal was upheld before it got to court. So stick at it and don't let them put you off. Get advice, and help, from CAB or similar to fill in forms etc. They operate a points system to score you. Find out what you need to have to get those points.

 

Good luck

[ScienceGeek]

Am going through my DLA renewal at the moment. Like the above poster said, appeal as they are trying to deny as many people as possible and hardly anyone gets the correct rate at the first try. I'm fully expecting to have to appeal mine despite having a massive amount of documentary evidence and people on my side (social worker, dr, support workers etc). This is also despite having a physical disability as well as ASD

[dekra]

My son recieved his first payment of DLA today after asking for a reconsideration of the inital refusal he was awarded middle rate care. I agree with the above posters that you should ask them to look at it again and if that fails go to a full scale appeals tribunal. Contact your local councils welfare rights specialist or CAB for support.