DLA initial decision - How long is normal?

Lydia

I am sorry to hear your claim was unsuccessful.

You have two options

- Make a new claim for DLA.
- Appeal this Decision

You have one week left to initiate a new DLA claim before the switch to PIP, you can contact the Benefits Helpline and they should be able to send you a new set of DLA claim forms with a suitable date stamp. I am assuming that you are not in the current PIP trial area.

In addition, or as an alternative, you can appeal this Decision. Have a look at our DLA Appeal guide

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/dla/#dlaappeals

and the following FAQs

How long do I have to appeal?

How to submit an appeal

DLA medical – what forms to ask for?

Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations

Preparing for a Tribunal

MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal

If you any questions. please reply to this post

Gordon

Lydia wrote: Was told I could not fill/send in another form for DLA when I ranf for one.
Told my only option is to appeal this one as can't have 2 in the system.
Is this correct?

You were informed incorrectly, any new claim would have limited any award made by a Tribunal, so you would not have had two claim in operation at the same time, however, it is now to late for you to make a new claim for DLA so your only choice is to appeal the Decision not to award.

In principle you can also make a new claim for PIP at the same time, but this may not be to your advantage, DWP procedures are unclear in this area, but it is possible that any Decision on a PIP claim would still limit any DLA award made by the Tribunal, so you would need to consider how likely you would be to be successful in such a claim before proceeding.

Gordon