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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

SN children

Refused DLa

19 replies

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 11:21

i have been refused dla after asking for a reconsideration

i dont know what to do really.

The letter says i can appeal but should i do it if they have knocked me back twice?

It says based on the extra evidence i have submitted-my recent diagnosis and the fact that i am practically housebound, suffer panic attacks when outside still does not in their opinion warant DLA.

feel a bit down at the moment as i thought i would get it this time, i dont think i filled out the forms correctly as i have a problem with doing paperwork, i dont understand questions etc and when the GP came to do my medical last week i hardly told him anything as he put me on the spot a few times and i just didnt know what to say as is the problem with AS i NEED advance notice of everything to be able to answer correctly and lets face it im not going to get that from them am i?

Sorry for the moan everyone

OP posts:

Report

doormat · 30/09/2005 11:22

jenk appeal, appeal and then appeal again if you have to

coppertop · 30/09/2005 11:23

Definitely appeal if you feel up to it.

Is there anything we can help you with? Either on here or via e-mail?

I'm so sorry they're making you go through all this.

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 11:33

i really dont know what to tell them how i am afftected.

i never leave the house on my own.dont use public transport, DH drives me every where and picks me up afterwards i mean i dont even do the supermarket shop on my own, i suffer panic attacks if i have to meet other people and i dont sleep at night.

im also very clumsy and dont cook for myself in the day as i always burn myself or cut myself so my mum either makes me meals or i go to hers(she only lives round the corner) she even takes my ds to school for me and thats only at the end of the road.

but i have told them all this maybe not in detail and thats why they have knocked me back again

OP posts:

coppertop · 30/09/2005 11:42

Did you describe everything as it is on your worst day? I imagine it's much more difficult to do about yourself rather than about a child.

I don't if the forms are anything like the ones for under-16s but what about writing down a typical bad day for you, perhaps in blocks of 15-30mins, eg:

08:00 Breakfast time for ds. I try to make some toast for him but burn my hand on the toaster. Dh takes me to the sink, switches on the cold tap for me and I put my hand in the water to ease the pain. Dh has to take over preparing breakfast for ds.

08:15 I start to wash the dishes. I drop a plate and cup and cut my hands on the sharp edges while attempting to clean up the mess. Dh finds a plaster for me and helps me to wash the cuts.

Obviously none of these incidents may apply to you at all but that's the level of detail I would put in - perhaps more. They need to see that absolutely everything is a struggle for you.

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 12:40

no i didnt put anything like that, thanks its very helpful.

Do you know what happens when you go to an a
appeal CT?

Just had a bit of more bad news-will start another thread in a bit when i feel up to it.

thanks for your help

OP posts:

noddyholder · 30/09/2005 12:41

which condition do you have?

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 12:49

Asperger Syndrome

OP posts:

coppertop · 30/09/2005 13:05

I haven't gone through the appeal process myself but I think a few people on here have.

Sorry you've had even more bad news.

Merlot · 30/09/2005 13:19

Oh no Jenk - so sorry

cori · 30/09/2005 13:28

Definetly appeal, you have a better chance if you appeal in person, take your husband with you as a representative.
Check out this website, excellent advice on what all the questions they ask you really mean here Look under mental health DLA guides.

sansouci · 30/09/2005 13:31

I've only just found out what a DLA is but can't you get your doctor to appeal for you, jenk? It's outrageous!

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 13:41

i just phoned the dla and told them that i want to appeal, i also asked how they had reached their decision, he went on about not needing help with going to the toilet etc and when i mentioned my condition he went quiet.

i said "do you have on your records a letter from my pscyh confirming my diagnosis and how it affects my day to day living,"? he said well a letter was sent in aug asking for information and i asked had they received it back he said he didnt know but that he was sure it was all taken into account.

they dont even know what they have got on file!

DH says "look u have a mental health worker, a social worker, a health visitor and a psychiatrist that u can get reports off, go to your appeal and i will come with you"

SO I WILL!

OP posts:

KarenThirl · 30/09/2005 14:52

Sorry to hear your decision Jenk. Yes, you should appeal. Get your local CAB benefits advisor to help you with it - they're very good at putting into words what DWP customers find difficult. Don't be put off, that's what they hope you'll do.

Tiggiwinkle · 30/09/2005 15:02

As karenthirl has advised go to get help from you local CAB. I think they may even attend the appeal with you and they are great with this type of thing.

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 17:43

i didnt think about CAB, do u just go alaong and ask for help-sorry to sound thick its just that im not used to doing things like this!

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KarenThirl · 30/09/2005 18:22

Ring them up and make an appointment. Branches usually have a benefits adviser who specialises in helping with unsuccessful claims - they know all the ins and outs about what the DWP are looking for and can help you to phrase your replies to your best advantage. Some branches are very busy - ours in Gateshead are taking on no more clients at the moment because they're overloaded - but if yours can't help they can often suggest other agencies who can advise you. It's worth making the phone call, but you'll probably take several attempts to get through as they're usually so busy.

cori · 30/09/2005 18:45

If you have a social worker and a mental health worker they should be able to support you to make an appeal. They will also be able to point you in the right direction if you need extra advice or someone to represent you at the tribunal. I am surprised that they didnt help you fill in the application form. Did you look at that link. I support people to apply for DLA quite often, I have found it quite useful.

jenk1 · 30/09/2005 20:07

yes i did look at the link, thanks cori.

Trouble is ive only just been assigned mental health/social workers in the last month and i asked for a reconsideration in july.

But i am going to ask for their help and also my HV and i will try CAB as well.

OP posts:

Katemum · 30/09/2005 20:20

Ask whoever helps you with the appeal application to also attend the appeal board with you.

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