DLA QUESTION - About length of application

Cat72

Hi
I got a form to apply for Dla in February. Was not feeling up to filling it in but managed to hand it in end of March. It has been 5 weeks and I have only had an acknowledgment of my form. I had just been through a medical with medical services two weeks prior for incapacity benefit. I am just wondering why it is taking so long and how long it can normally take as I really good do with the money now.

crutches

saysforty2daysontheformijustreceived
(sorry******keyboardprobs!)

Fairygold

For information on the progress of a claim in England, Wales or Scotland, you should telephone the Disability Living Allowance Helpline, on 0845 712 3456 (Mon - Fri, 7.30am - 6.30pm). Calls are charged at local rate. In N. Ireland telephone 028 9033 6556 (Mon - Fri, 9am to 5pm).

Your claim should be decided within a "reasonable time". You may find if you phone that your form will find its way nearer to the top of their backlog. Be really nice to whoever you speak to - remember that s/he will be making a decision on your claim.

If you claim is turned down, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for assistance with an appeal.

Lazy_Ike

Hi Cat72

The one I submitted for my wife took over 5 months. We got the back pay, but that does not help if you are in need of money now. I just kept on phoning, and was preparing to contact my MP. On the call I decided was the last before I took this step, I insisted on speaking to some one up the line. I spoke to a really nice fellow, and things happened soon after.

Cat72

5 months that is awful ! I thought it would just take the same length of time a claim for benefit. Terrible that they should drag things out like that, after all the people who are applying for it obviously need the benefit, thanks I will pluck up the courage to phone them.

quietheart

I think it's all a matter of luck, it took me the full 6 wks to complete the form but we got a decision in 10 days. I would phone and as previously suggested, be really, really nice. These people are being shouted at all day so if you're nice to them you'll make them want to help you.
Good luck!

Sam_Spends_Too_Much

I applied for my daughter and it took them from the end of July last year to mid January this year to decide!! They did back pay the money but it depends on where they have to get information from and how quickly the people they send out forms to reply. It then has to go to the decision makers - mine spent about a month in that department. The lady that I spoke to in Sutton tho was really really helpful, rung me back everytime with info and gave me her direct line so I could contact her easier. They are generally a friendly bunch, give them a ring, I'm sure they'll let you know how your claims going.

Cat72

Hi

Thanks everyone I telephoned today and they said my form was with the descion maker. So I dont know if this is good or bad. I presume then that they then have all the information they need ? Thw women never really explained this.
The information line said ideally they aim to have your application sorted in 6 weeks,for referance for everyone else.

Pat__3

Fingers crossed for you Cat72.:)


My brother has only 2 weeks to wait for his decision with a bit of luck then, if it only takes 6 weeks generally.;)


Do you think sometimes it depends on the area you live in too, as some areas may be busier than other areas.

Cat72

Hi
It was the national line that said two weeks so no it does not seem to be local.

Steviewonder1970

If you've been seen by a Dr, then another couple of weeks is about right.

Don't worry about the term 'Decision Maker' all claims to benefit are decided by decision makers.

To some extent it does depend where you live as most new claims are dealt with by the 10 regional offices round the country and some are quicker than others.

if you've not heard anything in 3 weeks give them another ring.