DLA refused - In Shock - Advice Please

Hi guys, i have just opened my letter from the DLA department and they have refused me ANY DLA - I am sitting here in shock. I spent weeks working on the document in meticulous detail!

I am wondering if this is this is something the regularly do to first time claimants?

Should I appeal to them directly or ask for an independent tribunal?

If you could offer me any advice and guidance or any experience you have on this process and their procedures, I would be extremely grateful.

yours, Miss extremely dumbfounded

On what grounds were you claiming it? And why have they said theyve disallowed your claim?

Gertie wrote:

Hi guys, i have just opened my letter from the DLA department and they have refused me ANY DLA - I am sitting here in shock. I spent weeks working on the document in meticulous detail!

I am wondering if this is this is something the regularly do to first time claimants?

Should I appeal to them directly or ask for an independent tribunal?

If you could offer me any advice and guidance or any experience you have on this process and their procedures, I would be extremely grateful.

yours, Miss extremely dumbfounded

Hi,

Sorry to hear of your disappointment.

Firstly it maybe a good idea to ask the DWP for your 'Statment of Reasons' which is how they came to make the decision. You can ring them on 0845 7123456. You might as well also ask them to send you a form GL24 (an appeal form).

Alternatively you can download one here:

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/gl24dwp.pdf

We usually advise to go for an independent tribunal rather than ask for a reconsideration. This is because the reconsideration will be done as part of the appeal process anyway. Be advised though you must return the GL24 to the DWP within one month of the date of your decision letter.

It may also be worth trying to jack up some face to face advice from either a local Welfare rights agency or CAB, so that when your Statment of Reasons arrives in can be gone through in depth.

If going for an appeal tribunal you have a choice of either an 'on paper' appeal (where the panel review your case on paper and make a new decision) or an oral appeal where you attend to speak to the panel.

Oral appeals are usually more successful than paper ones, not due to any paper evidence submitted, but because the panel can speak directly to you and assess the claim on a face to face basis.

Pete

Thanks Pete, I thought I would at least get a medical before a decision was made!

I will try and find a welfare officer and call them now and ask for an appeal form

G

I can well understand your frustation and how you feel.I spent 3 months on doing mine
yet got a disapponting result.You should note that they are not always correct in fact in 50 % cases they are wrong.You should firstly look at your case and identify the exactly the "basis" on which you wish to qualify. Make your case solid
and go for appeal. The tribunal are considerate and independent and will work to your advantage. Having said that your arguements should be solid approved by a experienced DLA advisor. Best of Luck
Patel