DLA Application - contacting my consultant

Marsh_Samphire

I've got a letter this morning from DLA office, they are writing to my consultant for more information, is this a good sign? I've seen my consultant twice in the last six months (I saw him privately as the NHS wait was so long). Should I phone him to find out what he will say to them or wait and see what DLA people decide? Thanks for any advice that anyone can give on this.

Fran

It doesn't seem surprising that they would contact your consultant as you probably named him on your DLA application. I don't think speaking to your consultant will alter what he will tell them unless you have any extra information to tell him?

nickyboy_4

They wrote to my consultant too, and i found out that it was just a short form with a couple of questions on. I was rejected for DLA, so i went back to my consultant and asked for something more substantial to be written (got a letter), as there was hardly anything on the form.
I'd suggest you check what they are going to put on the form before its sent back and ask for more detail if appropriate.
Maybe it was just my consultant, but the form had very little to it.

Penny-Pincher!!

Regarding DLA-I always think its a good idea to inform your GP/Consultant etc that you have applied for DLA. They see so many patients and you need to jog their memory..LOL, so they remember who you are. A letter is always a good idea, reminding them of your ailments and whether your condition is the same or worse etc.

Good Luck

PP
xx

hjb123

He may not actually tell you what he is putting in the document, it probably depends on how good terms you have been with him! You may be able to tell him they are going to be contacting him and give him background information to the case that may help him select information appropriate to your case

HACZ

I think it is important to let your consultant know that the DLA have very strict rules and criteria. You may have a very serious and debilitating condition but if the letter from your consultant does not verify that your condition meets with the DLA's criteria then you will be refused benefit.

You should ideally have an expert help you fill out the form, these can be found by contacting DIAL or citizens advice.

If you are refused benefit then you should appeal, getting copies of why the decision was made, again you should seek the help of an expert (by the way this help will be free)

There is also a way in which you will automatically get DLA but I hope this doesn't apply in your case, that is if you are diagnosed with a teminal illness then you should automatically receive benefit.

Good Luck and most of all Don't Worry!

hjb123

Dont let all of this get your down - I know its easy to say - but I have been there done that and know how it feels to have the benefits people breathing down your necks!

Just make sure you get help filling out forms etc. Keep a diary and write in it how bad you feel

njm_2

I think you may find this site useful: http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/

It should give you an indication if you are likely to be successful and what rate you would receive.

You could also have a look at http://www.bhas.org.uk/
Or just “Google/search engine” DLA as there are a huge number of information sites available.

I think it is worth advising your consultant to expect the DLA enquiry, even if only out of courtesy, perhaps by phoning his secretary in the first instance and following this up with a letter if it is felt necessary – I would suggest that the letter is vital if your condition has deteriorated or significantly changed since he last saw you.

Good luck, and if you are turned down then it is definitely worth appealing – try to locate a social worker, care worker, or try the CAB, who is experienced in completing these forms. Also, involve your partner, parent or very close friend as they can assist in providing a more accurate picture of your disability and needs.

hjb123

As the previous poster says contact your local CAB if you need help. I did - and they put me in touch with my local ME support worker - before I went to the local CAB I never knew he existed! He has in a couple of weeks been able to offer alot of support and knows where I am coming from!

njm_2

This website is also very helpful: http://www.covlaw.org.uk/welfare/leaflets.html

code-a-holic

When i applied for DLA they contacted my consultant - i was seeing him evrey 2 weeks at the time so was confident his form filling would back up what i had said in my application. But they still wanted a letter from my GP after that. I was suffering very badly at the time so DLA couldnt find a report that sugested i was well!
Once DLA had the consultant /GP letters they still came and did a home asesment though. They did all this very wuickly though. From the day i sent the application to my first payment, a month elapsed. Not too bad considering the amount of letters that went back and forth.
Hope you get a good result!