What now?

I have been refused DLA and i am in the process of appealing this decision, i have just rang DLA as it seemed a long time since i heard from them, the person i spoke to said i was sent a letter 2 days ago (not arrived yet as it is only 2 days) saying i had been refused again their decision hasn't changed and all my documents had been sent to tribunal, what does this mean? do i get the chance to go to tribunal? is this a good sign? or shouldn't i have had a medical 1st, any feedback much appreciated

Hi Leah,

This means that your case has been reconsidered by another decision maker who has upheld the initial decision. Your case will now progress to tribunal, you should get the full paperwork sometime soon but the tribunal date could be some months hence. This gives you plenty of time to get your argument together and find representation (from somewhere like CAb or DIAL) if you choose to do so.

Hi Leah

The DLA appeal guide will explain the full procedure.

Basically, a decision maker has looked at the decision again (reconsideration) and decided not to change the decision, so your case passes to appeal.

It's neither a good or bad sign, just part of the usual process. You will get an opportunity to attend a tribunal hearing in person and explain the extent of your disability. Tribunals can request that you undergo a medical but this is not always the case (I'm not familiar with DLA).

Good luck

Derek

DLA Appeals

You will find lots of helpful information here

Thank you, would it be a silly decision to do this alone rather than get help from CAB and such like?

Statistically, you are more likely to win your tribunal if you are represented than if you went alone (70% success against 40%, I think). However, lots of people do go it alone and many of them are successful - especially those who use the resources available,such as those on this site