Hi guys - this is my first post, so be gentle. LOL
I have relapsing-remitting MS, and am currently battling with the DWP to get DLA, and therefore a Motability vehicle. As we all know, my condition is variable, and in bad relapses (or just a bad day) I can hardly move, either through body pain or extreme fatigue. I have attempted to communicate this to the DWP, and so far my initial claim was denied, as was the review.
Now we are apparently at the ‘appeal’ stage, and so I have sent that form to them, as well as a letter from my GP supporting my claim and explaining the ‘relapsing-remitting’ nature of my MS.
Does anyone have any advice on how I can communicate things to them? They seem to be completely unable to grasp a variable disability, and it seems like I would fare better with them if I cut my legs off (I actually suggested that to one of them on the phone, which didn’t seem to go down too well! LOL)
If there’s anyone here who has been through this process and might have some advice, I’d be really grateful to hear it! I feel like I’m slamming my head into a brick wall. Which, ironically, is sometimes what my MS feels like.
What you should realize they are earning a lot of money from this Government. People like you and me are ideal fodder to take essential Benefits from and how they do it they could not care ATOS.
You can appeal by ringing 0800 882200; you will then receive all the correspondence from your doctors so will see who is to blame. It is invariable your Neuro or GP who are being scarce with the truth: the DLA assessor can only go on what’s in front of them. Sorry to say ATOSers are now involved they seem to be reading from a different hymn book.
The answers below are occurrences doctors would not know about. It is far better to attend a hearing but you can ask for one in your home (bit self destructive if your not badly affected) or a reconsideration (bit pointless as they have already made a decision).
At the appeal there are 3 people asking questions, a doctor, solicitor and social services agent. Don’t worry there usually very nice and make you feel at home.
Just a few ideas of the way you should answer the questions.
While hobbling along the High Street I keep near to the shops. This aids me in two ways; I am less likely to fall into the road and I can stop and look in shop windows to get a rest. I can testify that Ann Summers has the best window display.
To get High Rate you must show you need help during the night. Say something like, “I get up 2/3/4 times per night to go to the toilet, sometimes to no avail.” “My husband has to accompany me; this takes about 45 minutes each time and obviously breaks his sleep.” “It’s amazing just knowing he is there gives me so much confidence.” “He has to accompany me because once I fell over and slept where I lay that night, good job it was the middle of summer and warm.”
The hearing lasts about 20 minutes and then you are asked to go to another room. Another 20 minutes and then you are asked back in and told the result. It is very important to have someone attend with you.
Simple rule ‘don’t say one word when 100 will do’ in other words explain in detail. Always quote your worst; they appreciate MS is a variable condition but don’t you say it. Be very careful though as there are some mistakes you could make like do not say you’re housebound as that begs the question why do you need the mobility component? Say “I would like to go out more if I could afford to” The examples are that examples if they are not true don’t use them.
Welcome to this forum. There is plenty of advice on here about claiming benefits and the previous post from George just about sums it up. Benefits and works are worth joining for extra info.