dla how to reclaim??

hobo123

Hi I have rheumatoid arthritis and cannot work at the moment because of this I applied for dla in 2006 and was awarded lower rate care but that was all I was advised at the time to appeal etc but there was so much going on at that time with re to work etc that I didn't.

I know i should have but was struggling at the time and couldn't convince myself to do it so basically I am wondering if there is anything I can do now with regards to reclaiming can I put in a new claim etc

any help is appreciated

Mrs_Supersaver_1

Hi hobo, has anything changed in the last 12 months since you were awarded low care?
If it has you could reapply re: change of circumstances, or make a new claim.

Do you have more problems (care/mobility) getting around, or relying on help to get you to places? People/rels fetching your shopping perscriptions as you cannot get out and about due to pain and or effects of new medications?

One word of advice, Dla format of claims has changed somewhat since end of April. Do be sure you have enough supporting 'medical evidence' to back up any changes you report, just incase you appeal Dwp's decision on any future award.

Hope this helps, good luck:)

TOBRUK

Hi hobo, when does your current claim end?

Penny-Pincher!!

Hiya!

It took me months to come to terms with the fact that my health had deteriated, but I decided with the support of GP, consultants, OT etc etc that I should ask for a re-consideration. It took 16 weeks but I got awarded high rate on both and on an indefinite award.

I sent in proof of blue badge, stairlift, walk in bathroom, supporting letter from GP and OT and DP co-ordinator.

Good Luck. Do you have a current award?

PP
xx

hobo123

My current claim runs out in dec 2007, I have been off meds since July 2006 as I was TTC and condition was not controlled by meds anyway I am now almost three months pregnant and as such do not take any meds including painkillers so I am a lot worse now than I was when initially applied for it.
I don't know how or if this affects it

TOBRUK

To be honest I'm not sure what I would do in your situation as my worry in informing them of a change in condition is that they would perhaps lower components already awarded in their decision. Obviously I don't know what your condition is but if you do decide to go ahead make sure you have your GP's support as it does help a great deal.

I have never asked for a review midway through a claim, perhaps someone will come along who has experience of this.

Glyndwr_2

If you do nothing & your current claim is until Dec 2007 then you'll get your renewal form through about 6 months beforehand so not long to wait. Once you receive it you have a few choices:

• If you fill it in quickly & send it back then if they consider you should be receiving more, then they can award it from when you return the form.
• If they consider it should remain the same, nothing is lost.
• If they decide you should not be receiving anything, they could end your claim early.

Kimitatsu

Hi Hobo

Go and see your local CAB. Every CAB has a contract with the Legal Services Commission, whoich is there to help people appeal welfare benefits.

There are some qualifying criteria but they shoudl be able to help you, and yes you can get it back dated. Sometimes it means that it has to go to an appeal and a tribunal but if they are able to help then it is unusual that they do not achieve what they set out to get.

TOBRUK

Glyndwr wrote: »

Once you receive it you have a few choices:

• If you fill it in quickly & send it back then if they consider you should be receiving more, then they can award it from when you return the form.
• If they consider it should remain the same, nothing is lost.
• If they decide you should not be receiving anything, they could end your claim early.

When I received forms to reapply which I received in August 2006 - my claim ending January 2007. I sent them back within 2 weeks but did not get a decision until December which was a long wait because they had a back log apparently. From that they decided as from the renewed claim, January I was receiving more (care component raised) but they did not award it from when I returned the forms in August 2006 - it began at the beginning of the renewed claim.

Penny-Pincher!!

TOBRUK wrote: »

To be honest I'm not sure what I would do in your situation as my worry in informing them of a change in condition is that they would perhaps lower components already awarded in their decision. Obviously I don't know what your condition is but if you do decide to go ahead make sure you have your GP's support as it does help a great deal.

I have never asked for a review midway through a claim, perhaps someone will come along who has experience of this.

I asked for a reconsideration 6 months before it was due and was successful and backdated to date of reconsideration. It 16 weeks for a decision but when the DM called me, she was lovely and even did the claim so that I didnt have to fill in the care section.

PP
xx