DLA - How to Appeal

Hello there,

I've been awarded nothing from my DLA application and I want to appeal. They don't seem to have read the pages and pages I sent them and think I have no problems with anything! The report my GP wrote was not very helpful, it confirms I have CFS/ME and Anxiety but states I basically have not care or mobility needs from this. This is absolute rubbish - the GP who wrote it has never met me and clearly just scrawled on the form quick as poss to claim £33.50 for doing so!!

I have just read the guidance on how to appeal and just want clarify my foggy head has got this about right:

I need to send a subject access letter to DWP to get copies of everything used to make this (stupid) decision.

I go straight to appeal as reconsideration happens any way and not much point waiting for this first.

I need to fill in form GL24 and send to them informing I am appealing the decision - do I just keep the Reasons section of this form simple as per Page 7 of the guide and not go at all into the details of why I think they're wrong? From my understanding of the guide I've just read I need to hold back on this until a) I have received all the info they have used to carefully consider and b) until I have a representative ideally on side ready to help me go through it all and come to the appeal tribunal with me.

Couple of extra questions:

How do I get a representative to help me? the CAB were very dismissive/unhelpful the other day as I couldn't get to their offices (due to my condition).


Is there anywhere on this site that goes into more detail about excactly what kind of grounds you can use for appealing a decision - the guide I have read lacks this.

Thanks for your help

Glen