DLA

Firstly, can you complain after 11 weeks? Secondly is it going to jeopardise my claim? Obviously I don't want to rub them up the wrong way so to speak! Thanks for your reply anyway Dave. What is the time scale they would expect to make a decision, this is my first claim. Any help would be appreciated.

I wouldn't hold out for a favourable answer from DLA, it's usual for them to say no, then you'd have to appeal,this could take anything up to 14 months or so, BUT under your exceptional circumstances for which I'm truly sorry to read about, I think I would get some professional advice from CAB or similar, you are obviously going through a very tough time, of course you must follow through with phone calls etc, but ask to speak to a supervisor, they will call you back and explain where things are with your application.
Good luck with everything!

I am so sorry to hear about your circumstances - things never come alone do they? In the first instance I would phone and ask to speak to a supervisor and, importantly, get their name and note the time/date of your call. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, note down all the dates (application, chasing etc) and go and see your MP - this is what they are there to help with - your local MP surgery details should be posted in the local newspaper and at your local council offices. Please bear in mind that the DWP are not concerned about how many illnesses you have or what they are but ONLY about how they effect you day-to-day. Speaking to your GP soon about how stressed you are, appart from getting you any help you may need, may also help with any future formal complaint. I would stress that having noted dates/times and personnel names that you spoke to may be very important if you do not get a helpful answer. A welfare rights officer may also be able to help you (see local council office). Keep your chin up if you can. It's not easy but it will end - hopefully favourably.

I had this issue last time, it turned out they were still awaiting to hear back from my doctor as the letter he got from them had not been filled in and returned. My husband then contacted my doctor and spoke to his secretary, she apologised and faxed it to them that same day. A eek lster, I got my letter. It may be worth contacting your doctor first to see if he/ she has sent back the form

Sorry, that should say "a week later" and not "a eek lster"

I don't that much can be added to this thread that hasn't been said before, therefore the thread is now locked.