DLA decisions

[Kathyan]

My friend has recently applied for DLA. She has received a letter today declining her application. She hasn't had a visit from an independent doctor, but when I applied, a doctor visited my home and examined me. Their decision is based on what she put on her form. Surely they can't tell from a form what someone is capable of?

[furrypusscat]

They probably won't want to look at the case because DLA is being changed to PIP (Personal Independence Payment) in April, 2013 for all new applications. A lot will also depend on how she completed the form. She should go to CAB and ask their advice as to whether to reapply. They could help her fill out the form.

[factor-fiction]

It depends what information she gave on the form- if she ticked all the right (wrong) boxes or the disability reasons given were not eligible they may decide she isn't eligible. She needs to consider her application answers again and/or ask for an explanation. It's always worth getting someone to check the responses you give

[Kathyan]

Thanks. I'm going to see her on Thursday and I will tell her then.

[bednobs]

there is nothing to be lost by appealing. At the end of the day. the decision is down to the decision maker, on that particular day. The whole point of the form is for you to tell them what you are capable of. he trick to filling them in is to imagine your worst day, and fill it in from that perspective, and not be shy

[bednobs]

when they turn you down, they usually explain the reasons. Anyone knoe what'll happen to people already on DLA from april

[owdhamer]

The parkinsons support worker helped to fill in my application,i now recieve full dla

[furrypusscat]

If you are between 16 and 64 on the date it comes out April, 2013, then all new applications will be looked at followed by people with time limited decisions and change of circumstances applications, then all will have to apply by 2016 irrespective of life awards. It will be an application form, then face to face interview before decision is made.

[kloofnek]

when you say" then all will have to apply by 2016",do you mean everyone who is getting DLA.I am 68 and have been getting it for some years now,so does this mean I shall have to apply all over again?

[themas]

It is unusual for claimants to be visited at home. Most cases are decided on the basis of the form. It is important she appeals. The case will then be looked at again by a different decision maker - possibly with a better result. If the result is still unsatisfactory she can insist on the case going to the independent appeals tribunal. She can then attend a hearing & give her evidence to the panel.

This whole process can be daunting for someone who is disabled. Best for her to get advice - as already said, go to CAB.

[furrypusscat]

kloofnek You won't need to apply all over again as you are already over 64. However, it may come in eventually for people over that age dependent on what government savings they still need to save.

[kloofnek]

Thank you ,furrypusscat.