DLA Renewal Application

Hi there - I am a member, and carer for someone on DLA who has now received his application form to renew his claim. His current entitlement expires on 03 11 10.
The letter or form does not give a date by which the form must be returned - it just says 'as soon as possible'. He has made an appointment to see a benefits adviser to help him fill in the form but cannot get an appointment before the 23rd July. So it may be at least two months or more until the form gets back to the DLA office. Do you think it is OK to leave it that long? Should he write to them and explain the delay.

Or, as there has been little change in his general health and disabilities would it be "safe" just to repeat on the new form what he said on his last application form which was submitted about 3 years ago? - He has a photocopy of that form.

Thank you in advance for your help and for the service you are providing.

Rachias
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rachias wrote:

Hi there - I am a member, and carer for someone on DLA who has now received his application form to renew his claim. His current entitlement expires on 03 11 10.
The letter or form does not give a date by which the form must be returned - it just says 'as soon as possible'. He has made an appointment to see a benefits adviser to help him fill in the form but cannot get an appointment before the 23rd July. So it may be at least two months or more until the form gets back to the DLA office. Do you think it is OK to leave it that long? Should he write to them and explain the delay.

Or, as there has been little change in his general health and disabilities would it be "safe" just to repeat on the new form what he said on his last application form which was submitted about 3 years ago? - He has a photocopy of that form.

Thank you in advance for your help and for the service you are providing.

Rachias
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hi,

Providing the persons care or mobility needs have not changed, then it is acceptable to make use of the previous form when compiling the new claim submission.

It is good that he is also enlisting the help of an adviser who can go through the claim with him as there is nothing better than face to face help and advice. With regards to returning the forms, as they now only seem to send them out somewhere between three and five months before the current award expires, waiting until after seeing the adviser would be worthwhile particularly as it is only three weeks away. However the sooner after that the forms are sent in does help to try to avoid the situation of existing award running out before a decision is made on the new claim.

Regards

Pete

Hello Pete
Thanks for the useful advice. He would like to wait to see the Benefits Adviser, but it's not until the 23rd July - about 7/8 weeks away. His entitlement continues to 03 11 10. but I have heard it can take weeks before a decision is made even on a re-application. Do they back date?
Thanks again, Rachias.

Rachias wrote:

Hello Pete
Thanks for the useful advice. He would like to wait to see the Benefits Adviser, but it's not until the 23rd July - about 7/8 weeks away. His entitlement continues to 03 11 10. but I have heard it can take weeks before a decision is made even on a re-application. Do they back date?
Thanks again, Rachias.

Hi,

Its the 2nd of July today so his appointment is only 21 days away (3 weeks). That would be quite aceptable in returning the forms.

Pete

Oh I'm so sorry Pete - for most of the afternoon I have thought we were in June not July (already!) Time goes by so quickly I can't keep up. Thanks for that.
Rachias.

Hi, Dont forget to keep photocopies of all your form and send it recorded delivery. Good Luck