DLA and correspondence

Hi everyone,

This is my first post although I have been on IB and DLA and other things for over 10 years. I have complex post traumatic stress disorder and my left hand dosent work anymore due to a very old injury (I am left handed and cant write) and arthritis. I am agrophobic and live alone.

I received my DLA renewal pack in January 2010 which I eventually filled out with considerable help and sent back. They told me that I had until 16/6/10 till any decisions would be made and that a letter would be sent to my GP/Consultant for further evidence. Normal so far. As time went on, I heard nothing, not even from my GP so contacted the surgery to find out if they had received a letter regarding this matter. They said yes, I had to make an appointment to see my Consultant who referred me to Occupational Health, again quite normal as it happened before. I was assessed and a report sent to my GP. No problems with the report which backed up all my problems with evidence. I assumed this would be sent to the DLA for continuation of the process.

I got to July 2010 and had still had no correspondence from the DLA. This was past the 'due date' of 16/6/10 so I became very concerned. I rang DLA who confirmed to me that letters had been sent to my GP in March and April 2010 and there had been no reply. I was told that my case had been dealt with on 24/6/10 when my benefit was stopped and a fax sent to my GP giving them a chance to send the report before the final decision.

I spoke to my GP surgery who went through my medical records since January 2010 and could fing NO correspondence from DLA at all, no letters and no fax. Their system for dealing with correspondence is very efficient and they found no evidence of correspondence with DLA in relation to this claim. The office manager did tell me that I had been informed incorrectly earlier in the year when they said they had received correspondence from DLA when in fact it was from Incapacity Benefit.

I spoke to DLA today and pushed a little bit and they confirmed that the letters and the fax had been sent. I claimed that my GP must have lost it and could they resend it right now. They agreed but would not tell me when the new 'due date' would be. I did not receive a letter telling me the DLA had been stopped on 24/6/10.

I spoke to the office manager at the surgery about 15 minutes later who again verified that she had received no correspondence from DLA except the fax which turned up as we spoke. This is now being processed immediately, hopefully sending the form and a copy of my assessment to DLA but not till next week because the GP is on holiday.

It appears to me that DLA has failed to send out any correspondence after the initial usual form. If I had not made a call, I would not have known any of this until I received a final letter cancelling my benefit. (I'm sure I will get that one) I will then have to re-apply with all the accompanying aggravations.

Has anyone else had this problem and if you havent, be aware of the possibility. Is this a sly way of getting you off benefits?
This has had a severe effect on my mental health issues causing me to 'bug out' more than usual. I have had to have carers here 24/7 to keep an eye on me. This is not fair!! And I dont want anyone else to suffer this problem.
I would appreciate any feedback anyone might have.

Thanks
Jon

Hi Jon,

Firstly, congratulations on being proactive and staying on top of things.

My own belief tends to favour cock-up rather than conspiracy and knowing how frequently the DWP lose correspondence or send it to the wrong person it never surprises me when things like this happen.

I think that the most important thing is that you are managing to deal with the problems as they arise - not that you should have to.

Good luck,

Steve