Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[Angie]

I applied for DLA last year and was turned down, much to the surprise of not just me but my docs too. I appealed and went through the medical route, got turned down again. My Doctor told me to go to a Tribunal. So i gathered reports from all of my Team , consultants, podiatrist, physio and OT, gp and others, and waited for a date.

It was yesterday, it was nerve racking , the doctor on the board was relentless in his questions. ( i answered as if i were at a court marshall, Honestly, short and to the point.) I told him exactly how it is, then had to wait for a decision.

I won the case and have been awarded DLA, it will make a difference.I can get someone in on a morning to help me get up and about , even preparing veggies for me to cook a meal later in the day.

I am very happy with the outcome but greatly saddened that i and many more in the same situation have to go through this process. I waited 6 yrs before applying as i was determined things weren't that bad, but they are, so did the paper work, to feel rejected by the society i live in.

So to anyone else thinking of appealing go for it, gather all the documented evidence ( some you have to pay for ) and go to tribunal....

[bluekarin]

That is awful you have had to fight so hard for it, but well done for being awarded it. I have a feeling my eldest will need to apply for this as she has a chronic condition. Just hope she doesn't need to fight as much as you have

[charly1979]

So glad you won

 

I had to go to a tribunal many years ago everyone was shocked that it went that far even with a doctor saying I was unsafe to be in the house alone ???

 

It took the panel less than 10 minutes to make the decision and that included one of them going to the toilet !!

 

Its wrong that people who genuinely need this help have to go through all the stress etc, and why dont they listen to the doctor that knows the person and their condition really well ???

[charly1979]

Forgot to add the Citizens Advice helped me with my claim etc they were fantastic I reckon it was about 8 years ago as I found out I was pregnant on the day of my tribunal (unfortunately I lost the baby but I have been lucky to have had two healthy boys afterwards)

[pips_pekins]

I am really pleased you have won but sorry you have had to go through so much especially considering you have had enough to deal with because of the health issues. Sometimes I think things are done simply to put people off claiming the support they need and are entitled to.

[lillybettybabs]

Well done, Sadly it is very common to have to fight for these things now.

[Angie]

Thank you for all your support.

Now it has had time to sink in, and i shed a few happy tears, i feel like calling the benifit offices and saying " Wheres' my money ? " But i won't , i will wait patiently, gather lots of info on motability vehicles and see if or what modifications i might need......including an automatic gear , this would make driving so much easier for me... See how much deposit i need , then and only then will i see if i can afford to have the kitchen done ! ( i so want a new kitchen with cupboards that work for me and a wall oven ) But there again i need a wet room too. It all comes to those who wait , or so i'm told.

And no doubt i will have to wait just a little longer to save a little bit more....( i had a new boiler last month in readiness for the day i get a new kitchen .....forward planning )

So Thank you for all the times i've moaned and groaned, asked many other chickie questions and best Buys' must haves' your all such a wonderful bunch of people.