what do i do now as my new award has been lowered

today1121

hi, i received my appeal form today. it asks why i disagree with award..should i ask for a statement of reasons before i fill it in..thanks

TOBRUK

today1121, you have been given a lot of advice and it is ofcourse up to you how to proceed. One important thing you have to consider is that if you do proceed you could lose DLA altogether.

However, I can only tell you what I did when my DLA award was lowered (after renewal forms) beginning of this year. I didn't know what to do, but eventually I wrote them a letter stating that I disagreed with the decision and gave my reasons why I disagreed. I asked them whether they would be willing to look at my claim again and maybe reconsider. As a result of this letter I was awarded a higher rate than I had previously and the whole process only took 3 weeks from sending the letter!

So you see, just asking for a reconsideration can go in your favour, and very quickly! So now it is up to you what you decide, but consider very carefully. If you want to go ahead with filling in that appeal form then that is your decision, however, you may also want to consider just writing a letter as I did!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK

I had to go to appeal last time. The doctor that came out was useless. He asked me 3 questions, is this a house or a flat - erm its a house, what is your disability, and, how do I get out of here - you are sat at the side of the door. He then proceeded to fill in the form as he saw fit.

How can that be allowed to happen? He is an absolute disgrace. I appealed with Welfare rights and my rates were re instated before the appeal.

I would recommend anyone to consider using welfare rights as they taught me how to fill the form in correctly.

oldestrocker

I_know_my_ABC_and_my_CMYK wrote: »

I had to go to appeal last time. The doctor that came out was useless. He asked me 3 questions, is this a house or a flat - erm its a house, what is your disability, and, how do I get out of here - you are sat at the side of the door. He then proceeded to fill in the form as he saw fit.

How can that be allowed to happen? He is an absolute disgrace. I appealed with Welfare rights and my rates were re instated before the appeal.

I would recommend anyone to consider using welfare rights as they taught me how to fill the form in correctly.

Welfare Rights now don't exist in many areas due to Council cuts. The other alternative is CAB, but in my area that is a bit hit and miss. Getting an appointment takes up to 8 weeks, and then the quality of staff is very suspect. The one I saw knew less than I did, and started reading out from a DWP booklet - Help for the over 60's or something - totally useless. I have another appointmant for Jan but don't hold out much hope that they have the right level of legal expertise, knowledge and ability to take on the DWP for taking illegal actions.

millym

You can dowload the GL24 form here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017514