DLA Reconsideration

dlb

My husband applied for DLA back in March and was turned down flat within 3 weeks of submitting the form, we decided to ask for a reconsideration rather than go straight for appeal and sent and 6 page letter outline alot more detail that we didnt submit on original claim form and requesting they contact his GP & Consultants which they had not done.
We received a letter back with a week stating to allow a further 11 weeks for them to reconsider the claim, then a few weeks later had a letter saying they were sorry they had not compeleted his claim yet as were awaiting a report from his GP, and they will be in contact in due course.

My question is..is there anything we should be doing whilst we await the outcome, and should we have gone straight to appeal? Has anyone had any luck with reconsideration?

Anubis_2

Some people have, but when you appeal a reconsideration is done automatically anyway, so you may have been better appealing but it's never cut and dried.

There is nothing else you can do but wait, except perhaps contact your doctor to see if DLA have been in touch.

mynameistallulah

It makes sense to request an appeal straightaway, as Anubis mentions a reconsideration is done when someone appeals anyway.

For future reference, the DWP are not obliged to request medical evidence, the burden is on the claimant to do this. I would always recommend submitting this evidence yourself, and getting help with the application form if you are unsure of what to put.

[Deleted User]

it also makes sense to inform gp that the dla will be in touch and to update the gp on care/mobility issues

Safetyone

A reconsideration worked for me I got the letter saying sorry but no chance this time, I took a week to compose a 4 page letter and went over it time after time ,Result awarded benefit for 2 year ,I realised that the information I gave them in the letter should have been included in my claim pack.

earwig

A reconsderation worked for my oh as well spoke to them over the phone told them why he disagreed with there descion they told him could take up to 12 week untill he would get a reply 4 weeks later got a sum of money paid into acount a week after that a letter turned up to say they had changed there minds :T

rogerblack

For DLA, it doesn't really matter which you do first, as you don't get paid any differently when appealing while waiting.
It's important in the case of some ESA appeals, where you may get paid while waiting (unless stopped due to the 365 day limit.

Again unlike ESA, it doesn't really matter when a DLA appeal is concluded - you can reapply at any time.
With ESA, it may be in your interest to delay this so the appeal is heard over 6 months from the last determination of your ability.
(If you are not likely to pass)
This is simply as then you can apply afresh.

I do not advocate anyone who has any realistic prospect of being able to seek work from going this route, rather than JSA.

gingergee

Some people fail first time as they focus on the symptoms rather than the effect they have on care/mobility needs. Get some advice RE appeal and prepare in advance. I was all geared up ready to appeal my claim, but was awarded it. Fingers crossed and goodluck xx

Spottedleopard

dlb wrote: »

My husband applied for DLA back in March and was turned down flat within 3 weeks of submitting the form, we decided to ask for a reconsideration rather than go straight for appeal and sent and 6 page letter outline alot more detail that we didnt submit on original claim form and requesting they contact his GP & Consultants which they had not done.
We received a letter back with a week stating to allow a further 11 weeks for them to reconsider the claim, then a few weeks later had a letter saying they were sorry they had not compeleted his claim yet as were awaiting a report from his GP, and they will be in contact in due course.

My question is..is there anything we should be doing whilst we await the outcome, and should we have gone straight to appeal? Has anyone had any luck with reconsideration?

You need to chase your doctor, chances are its sat at the bottom of intray forgotten about and will be untill you question it.