dla appeal advice

jodie114

i have a dla appeal hearing next week and wanted any advice. i have been awarded low rate care, but no mobility, which is the area i originally went for.
what is an appeal like? is it really intimidating?

the problem i have is i am young (27) but have probs such as disc probs, angina and dvts' and i think they think there is too much wrong with me!

thanks

cabbage

Hi

I would say contact your local authority welfare rights service and ask them to accompany you. The service is free of charge but I'm not sure if they will have someone at short notice. Some CAB's also offer representation, find your local at www.adviceguide.org.uk . If you can obtain representation its a good idea to get together with them before the appeal so they can have a feel for what you are going through on a daily basis and compare it with the reasons you were turned down.

You could also have a look to see if you have an Unemployed Workers Centre who may also be able to help you.

Failing this, there are plenty on this forum who have been through the same thing and come out the other side with a victory and can give you invaluable advice and assistance.

Finally, there is some advice on advice now about being turned down for dla.

Have a look here http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides/problems-with-benefits/turned-down-for-dla-aa-think-youre-not-getting-enough/

I will be keeping everything crossed for you.
Take care
Cabbage

glossgal

You won't find a rep willing to accompany you just to the tribunal as they have to be involved in the case already in the same way a solicitor would be (in fact most welfare reps specifcally can't attend tribunals anymore) but you can take a friend or reletive with you for support.

Tribunals aren't as scary as they sound, it will be you, three panel members and maybe the clerk but lots of them are held in normal 'office' type buildings so aren't really intimidating. They will ask you lots of questions and may reference medical info if they have it so just be prepared- if there are any obvious inconsistancies for example they will usually bring that up. If they have evidence you don't agree with have an idea of how you will address it.

Good luck!