DLA - going to appeal

dla replied to my reconsideration today and said no. so i stay on low rate.

anyone who has seen my arthritis getting worse thread in DT will have seen how bad my hands are.

so now comes appeal. anyone got any tips? ill be having a word with our appeals officer at work (housing benefits) as she may be able to help but all tips appreciated.

would taking a photo of my hands and enclosing with the appeal do any good.? bear in mind they havent even bothered to contact my doctor or consultant regards the recondiseration so they are going on information they have from them 8+ years ago.

ill go to the doctors and ask for a letter. is this a good idea?

considering my hands are as bad as they are why are they refusing? i cant do any everyday task myself but they informed me things like caring for baby and shopping etc are classed aS 'domestic' and not counted. surely not being able to cook isnt a domestic thing and im lucky to have a partner?
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Comments

  • wolfehouse
    wolfehouse Posts: 1,394
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    it is always worth appealing and it is always worth getting representation from a welfare advisor who knows speciffically about dla.

    they are looking at your ability to function in everyday life and at very specific area such as cooking a meal for yourself. You need to tell them about your worst days and without medication. but these are the kind of things an advisor can help you with.

    above all do not dispair as a large number of claims are approved only on appeal.
  • Anthillmob
    Anthillmob Posts: 11,780 Forumite
    ive told them twice i am unable to cook a meal. was told on the pohone this is classed as 'domestic' and therefore dont count!
    There's someone in my head, but it's not me
  • pandas66
    pandas66 Posts: 18,811 Forumite
    I think you will need a doc letter/ certificate to back your appeal up.
    If they are using out of date information then I'd ask why, illness' like yours do detriarate over time and 8 years is quite some time!

    I would ask your collegeaue on how to appeal properly, remember to photocopy all douments 3 times! incase of lose!
    Include as much or more evidence you feel is appropriate, I would enclude photos, the doc's letters and insist on a face to face meeting.
    Panda xx

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  • Get some help from a CAB or indepedent advice centre - they will have done appeals before.

    Remember, you get DLA because you need help with your care or with your mobility. You don't necessarily get a higher rate because your disability is worse - it goes on the kind of care you need (whether you are actually getting it or not). So some help with the enormous forms would be a very good idea as you need to word things properly.

    Good luck
    "Harry, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee."
  • hjb123
    hjb123 Posts: 32,002 Forumite
    I would also get some help from the CAB or Welfare Rights Service who should be able to help you and know the ins and outs of what is classed as what.

    When I was going through my IB appeal late last year/early this year I got help from the CAB and they were great in knowing what to put on the forms and the different procedures to follow etc, they even came with me to the tribunal (which I won).

    I would also get as much medical evidence as you are able to and also maybe write a diary of how the illness affects you, the things you can and cant do and how it makes you feel and whether you are able to repeat it etc.
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  • I had my reconsideration decision back 3 weeks ago.

    When I filled it in, I sent a letter from my GP, OT, consultant and social services. When a decision maker called me, she was lovely and told me the letter my GP did covered everything that they could base a decision on.

    It is defnitely worth getting a supportive letter from your GP & consultant. Personally dont think a picture would help as its not based on what illnesses look like but how it effects you.

    Good luck.

    PP
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    To repeat what others have said, requires education, to challenge it,
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  • please appeal and go to welfare rights they will help you they know what to do with appeals. You will probably have to make an appt but worth it if you win. Good idea about the photo and ask your doctor for a letter saying how you have deteriorated... also go and see you mp at his surgery and complain about dla procedures point out they havent asked your consultant or dr and you would like an explanation from your mp about dla procedures. They have to reply to him in 24 hrs... start gettting a bit upset... you shouldnt have to but unfortunately thats they way it is...
  • emilyt
    emilyt Posts: 2,051
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
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    Definately appeal.
    Tell them if you haven't already all the personal care you need. i.e Help bathing, dressing, going to the loo even if it is only on one of your worst days.
    They pay the money for your personal needs. Do get your doctor, specialist to write a letter to them.
    Also tell them if you have problems walking and tell them how long it is before you experience ache's or pains.
    I know you are most probably used to all your pains but you need to really think about how your illness affects everything you do for yourself.
    Hope this helps and good luck.
    When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile :D
  • And as I've said on another thread within the last 24 hours (and several times on this forum)Don't apply for DLA without help!

    Go and find a CAB or Welfare Rights Adviser to help you. DLA forms look as if they are written in English, but actually they are written in a secret DLA code which only advisers know about......
    I was a board guide here for many years, but have now resigned. Amicably, but I think it reflects very poorly on MSE that I have not even received an acknowledgement of my resignation! Poor show, MSE.

    This signature was changed on 6.4.22. This is an experiment to see if anyone from MSE picks up on this comment.
  • Anthillmob
    Anthillmob Posts: 11,780 Forumite
    emilyt wrote:
    Definately appeal.
    Tell them if you haven't already all the personal care you need. i.e Help bathing, dressing, going to the loo even if it is only on one of your worst days.
    They pay the money for your personal needs. Do get your doctor, specialist to write a letter to them.
    Also tell them if you have problems walking and tell them how long it is before you experience ache's or pains.
    I know you are most probably used to all your pains but you need to really think about how your illness affects everything you do for yourself.
    Hope this helps and good luck.

    ive told them all this.

    they dont care about the help i need with charlie. thats a 'domestic' issue and i guess they think 'you chose to have a child so deal with it'. :confused:

    but things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, needing mr mob to help me in and out the bath and wash the hard to reach places etc.

    when i spoke to someone on the phone they asked about toileting and i told them i wasnt prepared to lower myself and ask my oh to wipe my @rse for me and used 'moist wipes' (sorry if tmi).

    i mean what more can you say for gawds sakes!!??

    thanks for your advice everyone./
    There's someone in my head, but it's not me
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