When do I return the DLA 580?

Hi

I have just received the new 4 page DLA 580 renewal form and I am a little bit confused to know when the deadline is to send it back.

It states on the declaration "We cannot pay any benefit until you have signed the declaration and returned the form to us. Please return the form straight away"

Then at the bottom is states " Make sure you send it back before the date your award is due to end"

My DLA award ends in September.

But I am worried that if I dont send it back straight away that my benefit wont be paid anymore (As it states initially).

What time scale do I have to send it back?

I am also worried that there has been no change to my circumstances, and I can only and honestly tick No to the few questions on the sheet. This has given me concern having read some posts about this on here.

Can anyone advise me when to send the form back? is there a timescale? and could my DLA stop if I dont return it immediately?

Many Thanks
Stu

Hi Stu,

The declaration relates to your renewal claim, not your current award.

There is no defined deadline for returning a DLA 580.

Some claimants wait until the last minute to send it back, as they're afraid their renewal claim may be unsuccessful. This happens in only a small number of cases.

As you have a current award until September 2010, that will continue until then.

However, if you wait too long to return the form, then the DLA Unit may not have time to process your renewal claim before your current award runs out.

My advice would be to return it at least by mid July 2010.

If there have been no changes in your circumstances, then your current award should be renewed at the same rate (s) as you currently receive.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Hi Jim

Thanks for your very quick reply, I really appreciate it. Yes, that helps a lot. The wording on the form is a bit confusing.

I am still worried about having to put No Changes on the form, but up to present there really has been no improvment with my health problems. Ive had a few more tests done and waiting for the results of those, and I have another one to go to in June. Otherwise no changes as far as I am aware of.

I just hope they dont phone, I am useless on the phone. I wonder if they try to trip you up using this method, and twisting the reply.

Thanks again Jim, your advice is priceless.

Stu

HI,

Please do not worry a phone call is allways a worry the best way to deal with them is to be polite ask for the persons name and would they please put in writing the information they require as you are unwell and find it difficult to hold phone conversations. when you have put the phone down write the time the name of person and if they stated what it was about.

If you do not get a letter within say a week if you have someone living with you get them to ring and ask what the problem was write down again the person and day and time and who you speak and get them to make a note that you have been in touch.

And allways note that it will help you to keep copies of all phone calls and letters.My golden rule is dont phone them unless you have to Please dont be worried use the web site it does help you how to use there own system against them. Best wishes Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for the advise, it's much appreciated.

I live alone and dont have anyone to call them back if I dont receive a letter, but I think I'm throwing obstacles before they happen. But I like to be prepared for stuff like this. the rules are ever changing, and things get more complicated every year. I worry a lot living alone, simply because I haven't a partner to discuss things like this with, and I dwell on problems till they end up bigger than they really are. I'm sure I'm not alone with that problem.

Many Thanks
Stu

I got the 580 form a few weeks ago, I took a few days to look up some Information on this new shortened form, like you my conditions have not Improved, so Im worried how they Interpret this.

My claim runs out In 3 months, so I wanted to get It In a.s.a.p., having had a torrid time last time I claimed.

I sent It recorded delivery, and Ive kept copies of everything I sent, to avoid the "lost" form or letters problem.

I got a letter back from them about 5 days later to say they have got It and will be back In touch when they make their mind up.

As Im not sure how much Information from my previous claim they kept, I Included several extra bits of Information In support of the renewel, as just ticking No Change, rang alarm bells.

I sent In a copy of my current perscription, a medical report from my G.P., pictures, and several extra sheets explaining In detail how my conditions effect me daily, making sure to stress that things have not Improved, and i face the same problems and need the same level of care as I did.

Let`s see what happens