27 August 2008
“I could kiss you all!”
We were touched to get the email below from a very relieved and delighted member. So we’re sharing it with you, along with feedback from other happy members. As always, names have been changed to protect the innocent.
‘£1100 back dated money . . . I could kiss you all’
I'm just dropping you a line to let you know that I received a letter from the DWP this morning regarding my claim for DLA.
To my absolute relief and delight, they have awarded me the highest categories for both mobility and care and have even paid in over £1100 back dated money into my bank account this morning! My award is for an indefinite period and without them wanting any further information or asking me to have a medical! I could hardly believe what I was reading - my hands were shaking as I held the letter and when what it meant finally sunk in, I began to laugh and then promptly burst into tears!
It's been such a nerve racking seven weeks waiting to hear their decision and now that my award is in place, I feel so relieved, safe and secure. I can now prepare for my early retirement from my part-time job, knowing that myself and my family won't have to face a hole being blown in our finances as a result of my MS. This is so important when we still have two dependent teenagers, the rising cost of everything and a few years left on our mortgage.
Needless to say, I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to you and your team for the invaluable guides to claiming DLA, which I used. I followed the advice and guidance exactly as you put it and look at the result! I am 100% certain I wouldn't have been awarded the amount I have without the assistance of the guides and I shall use them again when the time comes for me to put in a claim for Incapacity/ESA.
Being granted this benefit will open so many doors to me, not least of which will be me being able to finally afford a little car for myself under the Motability scheme, thus allowing me to regain some of my independence, plus help with my prescription costs for my meds. I consider the £18 it cost me to join Benefits and Work to be the best money I have ever spent and I bless the day I came across your website. You really DO make a difference to peoples' lives!
Once again, many, many thanks, I can't tell you how happy I am about this - I could kiss you all!
Heather
‘worth every penny’
I would like to say that I have found your guides to claiming IB and DLA invaluable. I have severe ME, and the symptoms do not always fit easily into the categories on the DLA form. I was refused DLA on my first attempt on my own, but with your guides I was awarded LRC, HRM, which I think is fair. The DLA has enabled me to purchase second hand powered wheelchair and an adapted vehicle, both of which have made it so much easier for me to get out and about when I am well enough.
Keep up the good work and the cost of membership is worth every penny!
Tricia
‘worth every penny’ (again)
I subscribed to benefits and work in February. I needed help filling in forms for my husband to claim DLA.
On Friday we got word to say he has been awarded DLA at the middle rate for care, thanks to the information that I downloaded from your site. Without it I know we would not have been successful. Being awarded this it also opens doors for other benefits for us.
Thanks to you we don't have to worry about money and the subscription I paid was worth every penny. I will recommend your site to my friends.
Amy
‘Result!’
I would just like to thank you for the excellent guide to completing the DLA form. Taking your advice I completed the form and enclosed supporting letters from both my GP & physiotherapist.
Result !! After nearly 6 years, Higher rate DLA mobility indefinitely. What a relief, not having to re-apply every 1 or 2 years. Can't thank you enough, I have already recommended your site to others.
Sandy
‘Brilliant!’
Just a quick thank you - since joining your site last year I have had my Incapacity Benefit renewed without being called for interview, and I just won lowest rate Care Component of DLA at appeal. Without your guides it wouldn't have happened, and access to DWP documents via the site also helped.
Brilliant!
Phil
‘excellent investment’
I thought I would let you know of a happy ending for me:
Despite all the trials and tribulations (literally the DLA tribunal!), I have been awarded the lower rate care component backdated to February. This was a unanimous Tribunal decision, and I have now have definite confirmation from the DWP.
I am still working, but the DLA will help with the cost of prescriptions - before today I could not afford the medication I needed to function.
I could not have done this without your help and support, and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to DLA or IB, to join Benefits and Work - it is an excellent investment and "shield" against all the obstacles the DWP may put in your path.
Ben
