Time Limit on returning DLA form?

[Linda]

Hi, my DLA is due to run out in March next year and the form to reapply arrived at the beginning of this month. After going it alone last time, getting refused and taking it to appeal, i eventually got it after 10 months on the strength of MRI results and the EMP report.

So to get it right first time i phoned CAB for an appointment, which has just been changed from 3 Dec to 9 Dec (also been told i will need a second visit) and am a bit worried i wont get the form in on time, is there a time limit?

Also, i read somewhere that they dont keep your original claim form and papers so would i be able to send my scan results and their EMP report in as evidence?

[Debbie]

Only send in evidence that is relevant to how you are and your needs. They keep information for a good while so it depends how old it is. Either way if they show how you are now, and nothing has changed, its a good idea to send it anyway.
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As long as you send it to arrive before your current claim then any new claim will usually go from the same date. Be aware though that if a decision hasn't been made before itr runs out, then your claim will stop, as will any linked meanstested benefits. You will get any backdating due once the decision is made. Sometimes if your needs have changed the Decision Maker may apply any changes from a different date. If you send it in after the end date of your claim, any benefit due will usually be paid from the day its received by DWP. If you have good reason for being late may mean they will pay you as if it was returned on time. Delays in getting help can be considered a good reason, but it is decided on a case by case basis. Your adviser can assist with this.

Just to be safe I would ask them to give you a date for a second appointment now, as they say you need one. It can be cancelled if you don't. Trained advisers are usually aware of deadlines, and the effects of delay, and be used to working within them.

[reddee]

Linda be aware that the DLA no longer send out reminders to you reminding you to send in your DLA forms.

Only send in copies of any evidence that you send in to the DLA and also make copies of the DLA forms.

Make the person you see at CAB aware of when your claim ends. Also make sure that you read through the DLA forms before sending them off as I have read of people who have left the forms with CAB and they have sent the forms off with the claimant reading through them first and not all the information of the claimants needs have been wrote on the forms.

It is important that as much information of your care and mobility needs are given on the forms even if it has to be written on extra paper this will/should give the DLA a picture of the needs you have.

[Maurice]

Does it stiil take 3 months to get an answer from the D M from when you return your forms

Mossy

[susie]

I think the turn around time for reply from DLA regarding entitlement very much depends on what part of the counrty you live in. But certainly it has taken three months here in Northern Ireland but then again when I asked them to look at my claim again due to chnage in needs it only took three weeks but I think that was extremly quick.

[Peter aka Sociable]

Some clear cut claims are being dealt with far faster now (4 - 8 weeks) but complex cases, especially where further information and or a medical is required, are actually taking far longer then three months so the claimed average turn around is still about 12/13 weeks I would expect.

Another point I would make though is that it is the claimants responsibility to prove their eligability not the DWP's and as unfair as it seems (and is) they have no responsibility to contact anyone on your behalf, even named consultants, let alone the person you identify as being the one who knows you and your needs best.

Support from one's GP is pretty important but that said, although they will usually seek what is known as a "Factual Report" from your GP, this only includes two very small boxes for them to comment on your care and mobility needs and in many cases the GP's leave these blank as it is not something people have discussed with their GP's as we go to see them to treat symptoms rather than talk about care needs. The only way to combat this is either to get a specific report from your GP about your mobility and care problems or at least discuss this with them in advance so they have some idea what to put in those two small boxes.

In view of this need for us to prove our needs always include copies of any consultants reports which substantiate your claim together with supporting letters from GP and anyone else who can provide backup for your claim. And do not assume that they will look back on previously submitted medical evidence either because they will not and in fact older paperwork regarding previous claims is now routinely destroyed once the time period for appeals of any decision has passed.

Always keep copies of everything and always supply as much relevant information as possible with each claim and/or renewal and assume they know nothing about you at all but what you tell them about on the form and/or back up with evidence to support it each time round is now the safest way to go.

Hope that helps.

[Linda]

i had appt with the CAB which was a total waste of time as the person i saw didn't have a clue so i went home and filled in the form, was pretty cheesed off with it and it took about 2 weeks to do sent it off 2nd week of January and sat back for a long wait. I had a letter last week saying they were contacting my GP (who is not a people friendly GP so i didnt hold out much hope) this morning i got a letter saying my award will continue indefinately

is this a record? the original award doesn't run out til March....