Disability Benefits

jobo79

My dad has has Leukaemia, Neuropathy and diabetes. Both my parents have worked all their lives but recently my dad has found it a struggle to work due to the pain of neuropathy.

The problem is he has now been told his benefits will be cut due to this new policy which he has challenged and now he has to go to a tribunal. We're desperately trying to seek guidance but have been told by CAB and the welfare office that they cannot help as my mum works and they own their own house. There only advice was for my parents to pay a solicitor. My parents can't afford the solicitors fee's and I don't see why they should pay anyway, they've put in to the system for 40 years and never needed their help till now.

Can some please send me information were we can get some advice on this situation.

Thanks

nannytone_2

which new policy?
and which benefits is he having cut?

jobo79

I think it's disability allowance and my mum explained it's the government's policy to get people off benefits which means my dad has been re-assessed. The doctor never noted all my dads problems. We need someone to advise and represent him but we have no idea were to start.

inspirespirit

I don't understand why CAB have said they cannot help. Your parents owning their home has nothing to do with Disability Living Allowance as it is a non means tested benefit.
Do you have a D.I.A.L. near to you. They will help you fill in forms and also help with an appeal.

More people on here are better informed than myself but I believe you need to get a Statement of Reason from the DLA which should give information about why the benefit has stopped. Then you need to appeal.

Hopefully someone else will come along and help you but if you look around the threads there is quite a lot of information about what to do if your DLA is turned down or stopped.

formaldehyde_perfume

I think that CAB can't help the OP's parents because it would be classed under legal aid and that is restricted by savings, income etc and that they own their own home may mean they aren't eligible for legal aid.

kingfisherblue

If there is a Carer's Centre in your town, they might be able to help - my local centre has a benefits adviser who will help to fill in forms, deal with appeals and tribunals, and generally give advice. You do need to book, though. There is no charge.

Rochelle

If u do not have a DIAL in your area then ring your local council they will be able to tell u where your nearest disability group is or just google it.I find places like Dial and local disability groups have much better knowledge and understanding when it comes to disability benefits.What are do you live in and what did the DWP state as their reasons why your dad`s benefit has been cut, if you can post what they said maybe some of the more experienced people will be able to offer you more advice.

bifold

jobo79 wrote: »

My dad has has Leukaemia, Neuropathy and diabetes. Both my parents have worked all their lives but recently my dad has found it a struggle to work due to the pain of neuropathy.

The problem is he has now been told his benefits will be cut due to this new policy which he has challenged and now he has to go to a tribunal. We're desperately trying to seek guidance but have been told by CAB and the welfare office that they cannot help as my mum works and they own their own house. There only advice was for my parents to pay a solicitor. My parents can't afford the solicitors fee's and I don't see why they should pay anyway, they've put in to the system for 40 years and never needed their help till now.

Can some please send me information were we can get some advice on this situation.

Thanks

Contact Mcmillan cancer surport for advice/help at the very least they might help with a grant towards solictors fee's.Some of the larger hospitals have benefits advice staff.

MrsManda

Do you mean that your Dad's Disability Living Allowance (or Attendance Allowance?) has been reassessed and he's now receiving a lower rate/no longer recieves it?

What was the reason he was awarded DLA? Has his circumstances changed? - DLA is awarded for care/mobility needs not for diagnosis except in special circumstances such as being terminally ill and not expected to live more than 6 months.

Has he been through the reconsideration and appeal process and now going to tribunal? If so, do you have the reasons why he was turned down at the appeal process?

It is worth speaking to someone at DIAL and Bifold said a lot of the big hospitals have a benefits advisor on site so if your dad visits a specialist hospital it may be worth making appointment there.

[Deleted User]

if your dad is over (60?)age uk might also help

dalewiggy

hello my name is dale i have congenital heart problem and was told i wouldn't live past 23 years old and now i have just turned 26 but am appealing DLA result and awaiting a hearing what can I expected from it ? i have great difficulty walking now many thanks