DLA help please?

GlasweJen

I've been on DLA for 4 years over 2 awards (1 award for a year then a subsequent award for 3 years). My current award expires in December. I reapplied this year when the pack came in and I've just got my reply in saying that I no longer need DLA. On one page it says my award was withdrawn because i no longer black out (when I do), the second said that although I blackout i can sit while cooking (but i black out when sitting as well) and the start of the letter said that I do need help but not enough of it when i need help to get washed, to get dried, to take medications, i need someone to cook with me, to accompany me on social visits, to supervise me at all times because otherwise i get injured as i black out without warning. I also have someone who does first aid with me at work to make sure i'm safe.

I made an appointment with CAB for friday (earliest i can get), is there anything i should take with me?

Also the letter said that they have not contacted my GP or any of the 3 hospital specialists I have named. What are the chances of having my award reinstated?

far

You really need to take this to appeal. A good appeal in person, with representation, usually has a 60% chance of succeeding. If the CAB adviser refuses to help or is unhelpful (feel free to ask how much experience they have and their success rate) then try and get representation from elsewhere (the local council, DIAL, any disability support groups for instance).

[Deleted User]

GlasweJen wrote: »

I've been on DLA for 4 years over 2 awards (1 award for a year then a subsequent award for 3 years). My current award expires in December. I reapplied this year when the pack came in and I've just got my reply in saying that I no longer need DLA. On one page it says my award was withdrawn because i no longer black out (when I do), the second said that although I blackout i can sit while cooking (but i black out when sitting as well) and the start of the letter said that I do need help but not enough of it when i need help to get washed, to get dried, to take medications, i need someone to cook with me, to accompany me on social visits, to supervise me at all times because otherwise i get injured as i black out without warning. I also have someone who does first aid with me at work to make sure i'm safe.

I made an appointment with CAB for friday (earliest i can get), is there anything i should take with me?

Also the letter said that they have not contacted my GP or any of the 3 hospital specialists I have named. What are the chances of having my award reinstated?

By "blackout" do you mean seizures?if so how often do you have them?
I only ask as it would have some bearing on the reply I would give and I dont want to make assumptions

GlasweJen

No, i mean blackouts. It's a physiological complaint where my heart rate drops then my blood pressure drops and i faint. it's completely unpredictable and due to a dodgy cranial nerve. there's no cure and treatment has got me down to 2 or 3 blackouts per week though it can be more if i'm stressed or tired or ill from something else.

GlasweJen

if it helps the condition is comparable to epilepsy in the way that it affects me but the actual faints don't fall into the seizure category medically speaking.

alwaysonthego_2

When you see the cab adviser asked to be referred to the welfare benefit adviser who can help you build up a case. You would usually have to get letters from your gp and specialists etc. At your first meeting at the cab they will help you fill out a GL24 form which is the first step of appealing. Remember you have 28 days time limit.

GlasweJen

yes I have until the 7th November according to the guy on the phone. I asked specifically to see the benefits advisor at CAB which is why i have a week to wait, it would have been sooner if i saw a regular advisor.

Should I take anything with me? The letter and my last hospital report? A list of the stuff that was on the form? How my condition affects me?

alwaysonthego_2

Give the welfare adviser a call and ask them what would they would recommend you bring along. Good luck!

MrsKelly_2

GlasweJen wrote: »

yes I have until the 7th November according to the guy on the phone. I asked specifically to see the benefits advisor at CAB which is why i have a week to wait, it would have been sooner if i saw a regular advisor.

Should I take anything with me? The letter and my last hospital report? A list of the stuff that was on the form? How my condition affects me?

My Dh had to take everything when he saw a DLA advisor from CAB if you take everything then you wont need to go back again if there is something they would like to see.

This sounds just like what they said to my DH but he was never awarded anything, they put that "although you are at risk of falls and injury and need care bathing dressing etc you only need this help for reasurrance not because it is essential" it strikes me as though they just try anyway they can to get out of paying, my DH doesn't black out but he has constant dizziness and balance issues and falls over a lot but they think this is perfectly ok for him to stand at a cooker too, fight them all the way if nothing has changed (i.e you haven't got better) they shouldn't be able to get away with changing your award (hopefully). Good Luck!

foxxymynx

letter and any drs reports u may have

good luck

lilac_lady

It's essential that they read doctors' reports about your condition. Why won't they do that?