I am now preparing for my DLA Tribunal Hearing and could with help?

luminated

I have my pack of paperwork from the DWP and am due to hear from the Tribunals Service in the next few days with more information on what happens next.

I am used to studying information, preparing written reports and confident in being able to carry myself accordingly at a hearing. I say this as I don't intend to find any other party to be there as my representative. I say this as there is no local DIAL, Welfare Rights Advisors and the CAB is up to it eyes in work with a very long waiting list.

So any advice, on where do I start, would be really good and most appreciated.

[Deleted User]

did you get a statement of reasons from dla explaining why you were turned down?

luminated

woodbine wrote: »

did you get a statement of reasons from dla explaining why you were turned down?

Yes I have the full pack of papers including copies of my original claim form, of my GP's form, their Doctors opinion (never saw their doctor - part of me wish I had) and my GL24 form with attachments I sent with it.

I am slowly (hard to read their Doctors handwritten words) reading through and am gleaning a significant number of points/errors in what is said. So the day it arrived I felt quite down but one day on determined to put the best case I can and prepare for the hearing which could be a long wait.

TrixieB

Have you got anyone who can go with you to take notes? Not an official type bod, just anyone?

rogerblack

luminated wrote: »

I am slowly (hard to read their Doctors handwritten words) reading through and am gleaning a significant number of points/errors in what is said. So the day it arrived I felt quite down but one day on determined to put the best case I can and prepare for the hearing which could be a long wait.

Several issues.
Some things that upset you about the way your case has been handled may be completely irrelevant to your appeal. A separate complaint about the staff involved may be worthwhile.

You need to focus on why you do meet the legal tests that the DWP claim you do not. The decision makers guide outlines the guidance that decision makers are given about how to award benefit. These are useful for seeing why they may not have not awarded you it.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/decision-makers-guide/

Thirdly - additional evidence!
While letters from consultants may be of use, letters from friends or relatives outlining how your condition affects you are not useless.

luminated

TrixieB wrote: »

Have you got anyone who can go with you to take notes? Not an official type bod, just anyone?

That can be my wife - I trust her to act appropriately

luminated

rogerblack wrote: »

Several issues.
Some things that upset you about the way your case has been handled may be completely irrelevant to your appeal. A separate complaint about the staff involved may be worthwhile.

You need to focus on why you do meet the legal tests that the DWP claim you do not. The decision makers guide outlines the guidance that decision makers are given about how to award benefit. These are useful for seeing why they may not have not awarded you it.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/decision-makers-guide/

Thirdly - additional evidence!
While letters from consultants may be of use, letters from friends or relatives outlining how your condition affects you are not useless.

Thanks Roger good advice, and a good link.

The day the pack came I took it too personally and was really fed up with it but today my usual self is on the case building my evidence.

I have no one I can ask for a third party report but could ask one of my family as I feel it is better than nothing at all.

Thanks again

luminated

salarine

I thank you for an extremely helpful post :T


What you say is really the obvious thing to do and has focused my mind considerably. I have just been reading the pdf that rogerblack put me on to (thanks again RB) and I think what I glean from that, and your help, has focused my mind considerably.

My aim is to put my argument, step by step, covering each of the criteria as laid out in the original claim form.

I take your point about getting the right information from my GP and possibly (like the DWP enquiry to my GP) I can devise a 'simple to fill in' form again with the criteria in the order that DWP set them in the claim form. I note the DWP pay my GP £35 for the form they asked him to complete and return so hoping there is no charge, or perhaps a maximum of the same £35.

Again thank you so much for your help - an excellent start with your first post.