Appealing DLA

GaryMartinHarrison

Hello everyone,

May I first say thankyou to all the helpful advice that is posted on this website.

I work for an organisation that helps parents with Special Education Needs (SEN) usually advice or signposting to other organisations.

I'm wondering where I could find a template (letter) for a appeal letter against an DLA decision, or if someone could kindly provide one (without names or addresses).

OR any advice regarding appealing as I'm helping several families that need [FONT=&quot]genuine[/FONT] support.

Thanks in advance,
Gary Harrison

Oldernotwiser

Not meaning to be rude but surely if you're employed by an organisation involved in this field you ought to have the skills and knowledge to do this without seeking help on a public forum?

Prinzessilein

I don't know that a template letter would be of much use. I had help from DIAL to appeal (succesfully!) against a DLA decision and they wrote a specifice letter citing my personal disabilities and how they impact on my day-to-day life.

I think you might be better serving your clients by referring them to DIAL or the CAB who have the necessary skills.

GaryMartinHarrison

Well i'm not an expert on appealing against DLA .... also we are a charity based organisation, so the training is not always available. Moreso this is my first case on this particular matter.

However, I would understand your concerns if I was the LA funded organisation. Still I feel helping each other is more valuable than pointing out faults.

bijouinnuendo

Hi gary

Think you would be better off either going to the benefits and work website or the youareable forum.

I know you need form GL24 to appeal dla but I'm sure these other forums would be able to give you more informed advice.

Bijou

dmg24

bijouinnuendo wrote: »

Hi gary

Think you would be better off either going to the benefits and work website or the youareable forum.

I know you need form GL24 to appeal dla but I'm sure these other forums would be able to give you more informed advice.

Bijou

You will find that most of the regulars on the latter are also the regulars on here!

OP, because DLA relates to your personal circumstances a template letter is of little use when appealing. You need to write a statement explaining why you disagree with the information given in the decision letter and medical report.

Oldernotwiser

GaryMartinHarrison wrote: »

Well i'm not an expert on appealing against DLA .... also we are a charity based organisation, so the training is not always available. Moreso this is my first case on this particular matter.

However, I would understand your concerns if I was the LA funded organisation. Still I feel helping each other is more valuable than pointing out faults.

In this case, you should be signposting your clients to an organisation that does have this expertise, rather than attempting to do this yourself.

I appreciate that I seem to be unhelpful but you'll be doing your clients a great disservice if you attempt to do this without the appropriate knowledge and expertise. Knowing your limitations is a vital skill for anybody offering advice and/or information.

GaryMartinHarrison

Thanks for the helpful information...

The family in question as been in touch with us for sometime, as the child attended our ASD unit, so I feel we can help in terms of adding relevant information. Plus the family as requested our help .... Oldernotwiser I will take your advise onboard and recommend other agenices to avoid 'disservice'.

Chippychap

I don't know if I have the wrong end of the gist on this one, but.
As someone who is ACTUALLY appealing at the moment, date set for 5th Jan, I am actually appearing at the hearing.
From phoning these people I was told that letters alone are much less likely to succeed and a personal appearance is more effective.
I DO feel that the system is massively loaded against claimants and that they heavily play the percentages game knowing that many will fall by the wayside at each step of the procedure.

dmg24

Chippychap wrote: »

I don't know if I have the wrong end of the gist on this one, but.
As someone who is ACTUALLY appealing at the moment, date set for 5th Jan, I am actually appearing at the hearing.
From phoning these people I was told that letters alone are much less likely to succeed and a personal appearance is more effective.
I DO feel that the system is massively loaded against claimants and that they heavily play the percentages game knowing that many will fall by the wayside at each step of the procedure.

Oral appeals are more successful than written appeals. However, a written statement at the reconsideration point may be successful, and a written statement in support of an oral appeal would be very helpful (both for the claimant and the panel).

Prinzessilein

I have an ASD and would have found a hearing very traumatic. Thankfully, because the DIAL people are experienced at this thought of thing, they knew exactly what to write and what to say, and my appeal went through without my having to attend a hearing.

I understand that the OP has been asked for help, but the best help - ie the way to maximise the chances of the family getting DLA if they are entitled to it - is to get the claim/appeal dealt with by skilled people.