Turned down for DLA/AA? Think you're not getting enough?
Download Turned down for DLA/AA? Think you´re not getting enough? (376K)
Nora's Story
'My granddaughter said I should apply for Attendance Allowance because my sight had got really bad. When they turned me down I was happy to leave it, but my granddaughter said we should appeal because I should get what I’m entitled to.
I can’t see now and although I do manage, things are quite hard. I have my systems though, and I get a lot of help from my daughter and son-in-law.
I went to see an adviser at my GP surgery and he helped me ask for an appeal. On the form, we explained what I need help with. I can’t say it was an enjoyable experience – writing down all the problems I have. We had to go into every little detail – right down to how I need somebody to cut my toenails. It made me feel old and useless. But he said we had to spell out every last thing, or they wouldn’t know why they were wrong.
We got a letter from my doctor to support what we had said. And I kept a record every day for a month of all the things I had problems with or needed help with. I can’t see to write now but I phoned my granddaughter every evening and told her, and she wrote it down.
When the day came to go to the hearing, I was very nervous. I didn’t want to go. But my daughter came with me, which made it feel a bit more normal. They asked me a lot of questions, some of which seemed a bit rude, but I suppose it was ok. It was a bit like going to see a new doctor.
When I had answered all their questions and said everything I wanted to say, they asked me to go back to the waiting room. Then they called me back, and said they agreed I should have been receiving it all along.
Six weeks later, they started putting the money into my account. I use it to pay a woman to come in every day and help me cook and do my hair. And then another woman comes once a fortnight to do my finger and toenails.
I grumbled a bit, but it was definitely worth it – now I don’t have to ask my daughter for help, and I can just enjoy her company when she’s here. I don’t feel like I’m a burden on anyone.'
Nora, 79
´I´ve received a huge pack of papers! What do I do?´
´What do I need to do before the hearing?´
Writing useful evidence for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance appeals
´What should I do on the day?´