How Soon Can You Re-Apply for DLA after a Refusal?

L6MCT

My friend has just had a "no" from the DLA (again).

The first time she applied all she did was tick the boxes and the DM said no within 2 weeks of the form being sent back. She waited over a year to re-apply and I begged her to let me help prepare what to put on the form and for her to make an appointment with CAB for further advice. However, she kept putting it off and putting it off and as the time limit drew near once again all she did was tick the boxes and post it off (aarrgghh!) I don't think it is even worth appealing the decision as she didn't exactly give them much to make a decision on.

So if anyone can advise as to when it would be ok for her to re-apply I would be most grateful (I'll make sure next time that she fills it in properly).

TOBRUK

If she has only just received a "no" from DLA it will state on that letter saying that she has been unsuccessful that if she disagrees with the decision she can reply stating the reasons why - deadline is a month from date on the letter.

If someone applies for DLA and only ticks boxes I think it is inevitable that they will be turned down! You have to explain and write as much as possible in the different sections (where there are spaces to write - and there are many) how things affect you.

Rather than ask for another form to re-apply why doesn't she put all her efforts into replying to their letter giving reasons why she disagrees with the decision. Maybe she should also state that at the time she applied she was so unwell that she was unable to complete and give details of her condition and only ticked the boxes.

I think it would be pointless just to ask for another form at this stage - especially if she will again just tick boxes!

Go over the form she sent - I presume she did keep a copy?! Write a detailed letter and where appropriate in point form. Gather evidence:

She sould see her GP keeping her GP up to date of what is going on and make sure they know exactly her condition and how it affects her - ask for a written report to support her claim to DLA, she may have to pay for this. Many GP surgeries have charges for letters, reports etc.

If she has any other health workers, consultants etc get reports from them.

If she just re-applies they will probably look up her previous applications and see what she stated on them.

L6MCT

TOBRUK wrote: »

If someone applies for DLA and only ticks boxes I think it is inevitable that they will be turned down! You have to explain and write as much as possible in the different sections (where there are spaces to write - and there are many) how things affect you.

Rather than ask for another form to re-apply why doesn't she put all her efforts into replying to their letter giving reasons why she disagrees with the decision. Maybe she should also state that at the time she applied she was so unwell that she was unable to complete and give details of her condition and only ticked the boxes.

I have told her umpteen times that you need to expand on what you write - she has even gone with me to CAB when I was completing my forms!

Apparently she tore up the letter when she read she had been turned down, she didn't even read why she had been turned down!

She sould see her GP keeping her GP up to date of what is going on and make sure they know exactly her condition and how it affects her - ask for a written report to support her claim to DLA, she may have to pay for this. Many GP surgeries have charges for letters, reports etc.

I have also suggested this to her and said that she really needs to speak to her GP and get him on her side to support her application.

TBH sometimes I think I'm trying to flog a dead horse!

TOBRUK

Well if she can't take advice onboard what can you do?! I still think there is absolutely no point in just re-applying. She needs to reply to the letter stating reasons why she disagrees with the decision. If she can't be bothered then she will not be awarded anything.

Why did she tear up the letter? Can it be stuck back together? Does she really believe she should be in receipt of DLA? She has to put an effort in immediately if she wants to disagree with their decision - by the time she has gathered evidence and composed/written an informed letter in detail the deadline will be upon her.

I would just give her the advice as it seems you have done as much as you can, but if she can't be bothered ...

fiddumz44

i applied 4 times and appealed and got turned down , the last time i did what TOBRUK said and i also said i needed to be assessed in the home so they could see how badly i managed , so they sent a dooctor appointed by themselves out to the house he spent 2hrs with me and did his report . then low and behold within a week i had a letter saying due to new evidence they had re looked at my claim and decided i could get DLA high rate mobility mid rate care ... so maybe this is a route she could go down , even tho you dont have the letter anymore just write to them so long as you have NI number on the top they will know who its from . You really have to be determined i knew how much i needed help i could not manage , all you can do is give her advice shes got to be determined .

TOBRUK

fiddumz44, so glad it finally worked out for you. I really do believe that you have nothing to lose by writing a letter disagreeing with their decision and giving the reasons explaining why you disagree.

I think it is better doing this first rather than going to appeal - it certainly worked for me. As you say fiddumz44 you have to be determined and know your needs.