Turned down for DLA/AA? Think you're not getting enough?
Download Turned down for DLA/AA? Think you´re not getting enough? (376K)
´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
Spencer's story
'I didn’t want to go to the hearing. But my adviser said I'd have a much better chance if I did. He couldn’t come with me and neither could my brother, so I had to go on my own.
As the day came closer, I started making notes of the things I wanted to say, just to calm myself. I couldn’t get my act together to write it up in a letter, but when my social worker came round she helped me. She wrote a letter too.
Then came the day of the hearing. I hadn't slept so I felt terrible. I didn't want to be late and rushing, so I was there really early. I hated the waiting. It wasn’t so bad once I was in there talking to them.
When I went in, they introduced themselves and explained what was going to happen.
Then they asked me lots of questions - some of which I didn’t really want to answer, but I forced myself.
They asked how I was feeling today. I had to explain that today I wasn’t feeling too bad but that I feel worse some days, and I often have epileptic fits that leave me feeling terrible and 'foggy' for about four days afterwards.
We talked about the things I had done when I had had seizures, and the time when I fell down the stairs and broke my collarbone. I also had to admit I don’t always take my medication because I don’t like the side effects.
They asked me about what help I need when I go somewhere I don’t know, which was really difficult because I don’t go to places I don’t know. I avoid going to my corner shop on my own if I can help it in case I have a fit. But when I explained that, they seemed to understand. They quizzed me about how I had got to the tribunal centre – my brother had booked a taxi for me and phoned me twice to ensure I had got up and was ready.
Then we talked about what I cook and when. This was a bit embarrassing because I know I shouldn’t just eat tinned spaghetti or beans on toast but I can’t get round to doing anything better.
They asked me if I had anything more to add. I had brought my medication to show them, so I got that out of my bag.
Then they asked me to go back to the waiting room. When they called me back in, they told me that they had given me middle rate care and low rate mobility. I was chuffed. Maybe I’ll be able to afford a few extra taxis now, so I can go and see my brother a bit more.'
Spencer, 39
´What should I do on the day?´