DLA Reviews - how long until I will get a response.

Everyday living
1

Can anyone tell me how long I am likely to have to wait for my DLA review decision to come through and will I automatically have to go for an interview?

I requested the review of my mobility component (on advice from my local MS Society) as since a relapse in May I am now unable to walk far at all as it is like walking with stones in my shoes all the time). I was awarded middle care component and lower rate mobility indefinitely in 2007 and only wanted the mobility rate reviewing but the DWP said I needed to fill in both parts of the form. I have done this and it took me 3 weeks using advice from Benefits and Work guides co uk. It only had to be in by today but I just wondered how long I am likely to have to wait to hear from them. Incidentally I sent a letter to my GP and MS Nurse listing the problems I have which will hopefully assist them when they are contacted by the DWP. Your GP is not an expert in MS so it is always as well to let them know as they will be sent a copy of your data - you have to sign to permit this.

I think we should get a prize for stamina for even completing the 58 questions (and taking a copy for future reference and possible appeal!)

Jen

Never drive, walk, wheel or crawl faster than your angel can fly.

2

You should receive a reply within 10 days saying ‘They have received your form and have been in touch with your doctors.’ Have you a Neurologist; best to advise them as well. Then it’s postcode lottery time; it may take 1 month; it may take six but whatever if you get awarded more it will be backdated to you asking for this form.

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 you’re 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.”

Contact DIAL http://www.dialuk.info/ who will come around your house and help with the forms. Or Benefits and work http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ who give excellent advice costs £19.40 per year. The DLS give excellent free advice http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/factsheets_download.html it is essential you get help.

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.

12 things that don’t affect your right to claim Disability Living Allowance.

  1. You’re getting any other benefits - Disability Living Allowance will be paid on top.
  2. You’re working.
  3. Your partner works.
  4. You have savings.
  5. You have not paid any national insurance contributions.
  6. You don’t consider yourself to be disabled - Disability Living Allowance is for people with long term health problems which affect their everyday activities.
  7. You’ve been told by a doctor, nurse, care worker - or anyone other than a welfare rights worker - that you won’t get Disability Living Allowance. Eligibility for Disability Living Allowance is a legal question, not a matter of medical - or any other - opinion.
  8. You live alone and no-one is providing care for you.
  9. You already have someone, a partner for example, providing care for you.
  10. You don’t want anyone to provide care for you.
  11. You’ve been turned down before. Once you’ve looked at the information in our you may decide you could put forward a stronger case if you applied again.
  12. You do not want to spend money on personal care: you can spend Disability Living Allowance on anything you wish.

Don’t forget if you are awarded high rate mobility component you can get a brand new auto from http://www.motability.co.uk/

Good luck

George