DLA appeal - convene Panel in my home?

If you currently qualify for the DLA mobility component at either the lower or higher rate and cannot leave the house for any reason, this is a relevant and material change of circumstances which must be disclosed to the DLA Unit immediately, otherwise you could end up with an overpayment and suspected fraud enquiries may be initiated as a consequence of the failure to report a change of circumstances.

Hi Lisa,

I can only agree with what Crazydiamond has posted with regard to DLA mobility component.

Also, bearing in the title of your thread "Re:DLA appeal - convene Panel in my home?"

These are called domiciliary hearings and they are very rare. In the 10 years I sat on DLA Tribunals, I only sat on 4 domiciliary hearings during that period.

Domiciliary hearing are possible, but you would need strong medical evidence from your GP or Consultant that you couldn't attend an appeal venue.

If you've seen your GP at their surgery recently, or been seen by a Consultant at hospital in recent months, then from my experience, the Tribunals Service would take that as evidence that you could attend an appeal venue close to your home.

Also, although it really shouldn't be considered IMO it's also down to cost.
A domiciliary hearing usually takes up a full morning, and a Tribunal Judge. a Medical Member and a Disability Member would have to come to your home with resultant fees and travelling expenses.

Normally in a morning session at a tribunal venue, a Tribunal would hear 3-4 oral hearings and perhaps a couple of paper hearings in the time it takes for all members to travel to your home and hear your appeal.

Hope this is of help.

Good luck.

Jim

good morning all.

I have spoken to a very nice lady at DLA.

I explained everything to her and it has all be noted.

I have been asked to obtain a letter from my GP detailing that although my current symptoms are so severe that they are preventing me from leaving the house that it is considered only temporary.

She also suggested I keep a diary for the next 2 weeks detailing when I leave the house and for how long and with what support.

The stigma of being on DLA is bad enough without the possibility of wrongful claims, so I am more relaxed now that my records are updated.

Thank you to everyone for comments and help.

Lisa

lochlisa wrote:

good morning all.

I have spoken to a very nice lady at DLA.

I explained everything to her and it has all be noted.

I have been asked to obtain a letter from my GP detailing that although my current symptoms are so severe that they are preventing me from leaving the house that it is considered only temporary.

She also suggested I keep a diary for the next 2 weeks detailing when I leave the house and for how long and with what support.

The stigma of being on DLA is bad enough without the possibility of wrongful claims, so I am more relaxed now that my records are updated.

Thank you to everyone for comments and help.

Lisa

The diary and the fact you might have a drs letter to show you cant leave your home might help your care claim


as for the "stigma" of being on DLA dont think like that if you can, its not awarded at the drop of a hat (in most cases) you get it because you need it.. and if they have such a benefit you have a right to apply for it and if awrded you should not feel bad about it.

Hi Dave,

I agree entirely. Stigma means a symbol of disgrace or infamy.

Those on DLA should in no shape or form regard being on DLA as a 'stigma'.

It is paid to those who satisfy a DWP Decision Maker or a DLA Tribunal, that they have sufficient mobility and/or care needs to meet the legislation and regulations for an award of DLA.

I'm 70 years of age, and have been in receipt of DLA and it's predecessors since 1989, and I certainly don't regard being in receipt of it as a 'stigma'

Best wishes.

Jim

I hope I did not upset anyone by the use of the term 'stigma'.

I was merely referring to how some others view DLA claimants.

Apologies to anyone I may have offended.

Lisa