Should I buy membership to Benefits and Work site?

bigpaws23

babyboo42 wrote: »

don't forget if they want you to attend a medical you have the right to have one in your own home if it is easier for you.

OMG! Is this true??
I put myself through hell and back to attend my medical (panic, anxiety and agrophobia) and spent most of the time in tears through the enormity of what I had done to even get there. (I think the guy wrote that I looked terrified and pale through the whole ordeal)

Is the same true for an appeal? It was *so* daunting for me to go through it and reading through things now, I think I could have got a higher DLA benefit, but when the forms came through for renewal, I simply could not bear to put myself through it all again so I opted for the 'easy life' of taking less money.

How are you getting on, Alba? - baby steps is a good way to go. I hope you are sucessful

Bigpaws x

ohreally

alba37 wrote: »

Has anyone any knowledge/thoughts or advice on whither it is worth paying £16.50 for access to guides on this site: Benefits and work

I have my DLA renewal to do, and it's hard for me to go to the CAB.

It's a reasonable site with a cross section of guides and general info readily available,though be aware that most info can be found easily foc from other sources. CPAG also do an exellent benefits resource discounted from £32 to £8.50 if you are in reciept of certain benefits.

Edit:Welfare Benefits & Tax Credits Handbook 2007/08 - http://www.cpag.org.uk/publications/1_wr.htm

Morglin

I would really advise anyone not used to DLA forms, to go to the CAB and get help with them - they are long winded and repetitive, and it's essential that the information submitted is complete and shows the DM what the needs are.

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/


When I'm doing forms for others, I always attach sheets giving extra info on the problems with their particular disability.

When the DM looks at the claim form, the only information they will have is what's on the form - and many claims are rejected because the forms do not make it clear about what the claimants problems and needs are.

For anyone that wants to do an informal assessment for themselves at home:

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/default.asp

Net advice can be very good, but nothing will beat a face to face meeting with someone who has all your paperwork and information in front of them.

Lin

wazza

Cugel wrote: »

You may find this link useful :

http://www.benefitsinmind.org.uk/dla_attendance_allowance.htm

The links on the right side lead you through every question asked on the DLA application form.

found the above link very useful - thanks

alba37

Hi Bigpaws & Tobruk & everyone else too, that's interested!

I tried to do some each day last week and actually got quite a bit done. But found it quite difficult and really amn't sure if what I was writing is relevant. I have therefore phoned social work this morning and have an appointment with welfare rights on Wed 11th for help. Will let you know how things go.

I am not looking forward to it, but at least I have some information on the form in the PC which I will print & take with me, it will help as a background to my illnesses.

TOBRUK

Good for you alba37, I am glad that you have managed to do it bit by bit last week and got most of it done. I know you are not looking forward to it but it is necessary, and yes it can feel rather daunting! Keep at it and I hope you get a good result. Keep us posted
All the best
Llinos

alba37

I filled out the form and went to a welfare rights officer at the social work department. He went through it and added a few things and changed a bit.

Bad news is, I got my decision today saying that I cannot get DLA. (this was a renwal) I will appeal, but am quite shocked as my illness/disabilities have worsened since I first got it.

Alba (feeling terrible!)