DLA TRIBUNAL

I received A letter from tribunal service 10/02/2011 stating it would not likely be heard until 09/06/2011.I then received a letter on 02/03/2011 stating the hearing would be on 21/03/2011.I have been extremely anxious for the last week trying to get more support evidence in by 14/03/2011(7 days before the hearing)Shall I ask for more time ?

Hi Linda

I'm afraid this is a common problem and probably caused by cancellations.

Please see the thread below.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=view&catid=10&id=49289

Good luck

Derek

thank you Derek for your help.I have so many questions I am really having a hard time with all this.I have suffered chronic depression for many years.Ive been seeing a councillor since1997 last year I was finding it impossible to fill in my DLA renewal form(started in Feb)She helped me through it and I eventually sent it in July.She said she would give me a letter of support for the tribunal,my daughter picked it up this evening,I was very upset when I read it. All she said was I had seen her over several years with bouts of depression.When these occur I find it difficult to cope.She said she saw me once in June 2010 and once in July 2010.Iv'e seen her once more this month,and hopes I will now be able to move forward. What sort of support is this ???? Are they only allowed to say certain things?Are all support letters written like this?Should I have paid her?Shall I even send this letter in ?

Hi Linda

One of the problems with getting a supporting letter from a counsellor (I know from personal experience) is that they are unaware of the criteria to qualify for disability benefits and are unlikely to know what information would be helpful.

I also believe that counsellors, by their very nature, tend to be positive about the future when counselling a client, and may naturally feel the same way when writing a letter of support!

I think ideally you need to explain to the counsellor the information you need that is relevant to the test for DLA, and if your counsellor agrees with it she could include it in the letter. I would not advise you to submit a letter if you do not feel that it supports your case.

Where your counsellor said that she hopes you will now be able to move forward, the word that struck me was 'hopes'. I'm sure will all hope that we will move forward. She wouldn't be much of a counsellor if she hoped that you move backwards! So strictly speaking it does not suggest that you actually will move forward, but I doubt that a tribunal will pick up on that.

Good luck

Derek