Disability Living Allowance - appeal

[Ivo]

Please do not use this thread to criticise this benefit! If you wish to do so, make another thread and knock yourself out.

On the 18th of December, I have an appeal for DLA after waiting more than a year for it to finally happen.

Has anyone ever been through this process, and if yes can they offer me any suggestions? For example, what I should expect, what I should wear, whether I am permitted to have anyone (besides a professional of some kind) with me, etc?

TIA

 

[wintonian]

Yes you can take someone with you.

Go to a library and read through a copy of this book, most authorities (and the odd University) seem to have few reference copies, though there are virtually no copies available for loan in the country, but claimants can buy a copy for £9.99 from the Disability Alliance.

The book is a leading authority on disability benefits and used by the likes of the CAB, and is essential for DLA claims, particularly appeals.

If you can't find one near you or don't want to buy a copy then it may be possible to request an inter-library loan, but I don't know if you can do that for reference stock and if you can you obviously wouldn't be able to book it out.

 

[bb21]

If you can't find one near you or don't want to buy a copy then it may be possible to request an inter-library loan, but I don't know if you can do that for reference stock and if you can you obviously wouldn't be able to book it out.

My uni sources them from the British Library if all else fails and they will supply an electronic copy for reference books.

 

[wintonian]

My uni sources them from the British Library if all else fails and they will supply an electronic copy for reference books.

I assume an electronic copy has to actually exist first? I don't know if in this case one does or not.

 

[bb21]

They sometimes do scan them. I guess it depends on how many pages you want.

 

[wintonian]

Ivo, I expect you will also want to read through this.

There is also a list of other related information that may be useful at some point in time.

Case law is here in-case you want to bring any up at appeal/ tribunal.

DLA legislation etc. is here

and information about the reforms inc. PIP's is here.

Some people seem to find this site with its resources and forums very helpful, but you do have to pay and I personally have no experience of it, however I am fairly confident it is legitimate but you may want to research it first to be safe.

 

[AlexS]

What you wear is irrelevant really - the panel is there to assess your disability vs entitlement to DLA and whether the DWP made their original decision correctly - it's not like a job interview or a court case where you want to impress a jury!

Have you had professional assistance from anyone like Welfare Rights or CAB to prepare your appeal submission?

If you need any procedural information for your tribunal you can contact the tribunal Service.

I wish you well with your appeal in any case - just make sure you get as much help from people like the CAB as you can so you can be fully prepared on the day.

 

[wintonian]

What you wear is irrelevant really - the panel is there to assess your disability vs entitlement to DLA and whether the DWP made their original decision correctly - it's not like a job interview or a court case where you want to impress a jury!

In fact I hear it could be better to do the opposite and try not to impress them when it comes to dress etc.

 

[richw]

Best of luck with your appeal. all i can say is ensure you have everything you need organised, and have plenty of evidence to support your case. The appeals like evidence!