DLA Claim - feeling disheartened

Hi Everyone - I am new to the site but have been reading it for a couple of months.

Yesterday we received a refusal from DLA (first claim) and keep swinging from anger to tears - I am totally amazed at the sheer contradictions in the letter -

eg - you need help to take medication in the night - but no help in the day ???

You need help with the toilet at night but not in the day (unfortuantly my bowels didnt come with a clock that knows when it is night and day !)

Anyway - I will appeal but at the moment feel so disillusioned by it all - and dont know how much fight i have left...

I know that specific personal questions cannot be answered on here but i really need an emotional boost right now.

I feel this is something we are entitled to but dont want to make myself even more ill with a battle i wont win.

Would appreciate your comments x

Hi pawprint

having been reading on this site myself for a few months now, it comes up time and again that a lot of people are refused on their first attempt at applying for DLA. It seems it's common practice, maybe hoping to discourage applicants. Don't be disheartened.
Lodge an appeal and check out the guides. Nothing ventured.........

Thank you.

Obviously I will read through all the guides on B&W but do I have to inform them that I am appealing or just get in all prepared in writing and just send the appeal paperwork direct within the month ?

Didnt know if I was meant to ring them and tell them first ?

You need to appeal with 1 month of the decision letter. You need to complete a GL24 from here then it off. As part of the appeal your claim will be re-examined by another DM

GL24

Hi pawprint,

Please don't be disheartened. When I first applied for DLA way back in 1993, I too was refused so can totally sympathize with what you're going through - but whatever you do, don't give up! I sought the help of a Welfare Rights Officer and in 1994 was subsequently awarded DLA for life!

Okay, I know that in the light of the proposed changes (i.e. medical assessments for those of us on or applying for DLA, as from 2013) in Tuesday's Emergency Budget, might mean being awarded DLA for life, 20 years ago, means absolutely nothing under their new legislation, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

Sorry for digressing . Just remember, you have the invaluable help and guidance of the more knowledgeable people on this forum/website, and I wish you all the best with your appeal.

Please keep us posted on how everything goes.

Hi Pawprint

Please dont give up!!! I applied 3 times and was turned down each time the last time i decided to fight it and appeal... It went to tribunal and i was absoloutly terrified but the panel were fantastic with me. I was made to feel at ease immediately and they gave me confidence to explain everything in great detail. The outcome was that i was awarded middle rate care for 3 years. It was up for review recently and i was expecting a fight on my hands once again, but to my surprise it was increased to higher rate care. I have read so much on this site and without B&W support, help and advice from other members i wouldnt have had the same result. Good luck and please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards
Julie