Can I make a new DLA claim now?

Apologies in advance if this is covered elsewhere and I am sure it as it is in my mind but I have searched for an hour without success so answer please if you can....

I made my initial DLA claim november 2009, I was turned down and have appealed the decision and now awaiting a tribunal date but been told it is likely to be 2011 (great)... My question is can I make a NEW DLA claim NOW while I am awaiting appeal or do I have to wait for the decision first?

My condition is worsening and has been for a few months now and if I can make a new claim now then I shall and may save me a little time if all fails on my appeal.

Thank you

John wrote:

Apologies in advance if this is covered elsewhere and I am sure it as it is in my mind but I have searched for an hour without success so answer please if you can....

I made my initial DLA claim november 2009, I was turned down and have appealed the decision and now awaiting a tribunal date but been told it is likely to be 2011 (great)... My question is can I make a NEW DLA claim NOW while I am awaiting appeal or do I have to wait for the decision first?

My condition is worsening and has been for a few months now and if I can make a new claim now then I shall and may save me a little time if all fails on my appeal.

Thank you

Hi,

Although we are unable to give specific individual advice here, in general yes you can put in a new DLA claim pending an appeal.

However this is with the caveat that any decision on the new claim may superseed any decision given at an appeal tribunal as the tribunal can only look at your case baseed on your needs at the time the original decision was made, whereas the decision on the new claim will look at your needs now (although you say your condition has worsened, DLA is not based on condition but care/mobility needs).

You should really obtain face to face advice from a welfare Rights/CAB/Law Centre/CLS Details of where to obtain such help is here:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/faq/general#help

Pete