Appeal for ADP

cazgee

Hi I'm going for my appeal on 14 March I'm getting represented by a guy from the social work dept. He phoned today and told me I'd given him more info 5 minutes on phone than was in my form. I'd got a woman from gmap to fill in my form and feel she never empathised my condition. I've had 3 strokes and just had a hip replacement and I'm 55. Was told I was young for that. I'm riddled with arthritis and this appeal is stressing me out. Even the OP was shocked I didn't get mobility at all and was 1 point away from enhanced rate. Consultant said I was in moderate pain from my arthritis but appeal guy said if it was that how did I get a hip replacement pure contrading. Any advice would be great

anisty

I'm no expert on the benefits system at all but i do know many people get turned down because they focus on their diagnosis, pain, amount of meds they need to take, surgeries they have had etc.

That does not mean a thing to DWP. You might think it's obvious to them that your pain stops you doing things but it isn't! (Or Social Security Scotland rather than DWP in your case)

You literally need to take each descriptor in turn, have a good think about it. And then state exactly and fully why you cannot manage each one.

It's fine then to link that to your evidence. So - instead of saying "i can't cook a meal as i have had 3 strokes"

You would say "due to having a series of 3 strokes, i have been left with a right sided weakness. I have received physio for this (evidence) but i am unable to use a knife at this time due to inability to grasp my hand round an object. OT are in the process of assessing me for aids to help me but due to long waiting lists in my area, as yet i have nothing.

For the same reason i cannot hold a pan. Additionally, my right arm is weak and i would not be able to safely carry a pan, even if i could grasp the handle.

I do have function in my left (non dominant side) but at this time I need to rely on ready meals and food delivery services.

I am unable to stand steadily without aids. My movement is slow and i am experiencing difficulty with co ordination.

So that is just an example of the sort of thing.

Although the ADP form doesn't leave space for long descriptions, you can add extra sheets.

Now - i see you are on to the appeal stage. I would strongly advise you to head over to benefits and work site, pay the £19.95 to join and download their fantastic guides.

They don't have one specific to ADP but they do have a pip one and lots of stuff about appeals and tribunals.

Remember, these disability benefits are about how your disability affects you with regard to the descriptors. Learn what each descriptor is getting at.

Good luck!

cazgee

I thought this was a free advice forum. Didn't realise I would have to £19.95 for it.

anisty

This IS a free advice forum. You don't need to pay any money at all to use this forum.

Sorry i wasn't clear - i was talking about another site called benefits and work. Some of us that use Scope also find Benefits and Work forum. You do need to pay £19.95 if you want to join their forum and download their excellent guides.

Personally, i think it is well worth it - especially if it results in a successful appeal for you. But of course that is your choice.

You can continue to reach out for free advice and support on here, of course you can.

cazgee

Sorry I didn't know I could download for free on that site tge way it was worded gave me the impression it's best to pay. I have a representative from the social work helping me I was just looking for advice as I know it's how you word the answers that helps

Albus_Scope

Heya @cazgee and welcome to the community.

All advice here is of course free. 😁 I've had to go to two tribunals so far and honestly they were nothing to be stressed about. They were really caring and actually listened to me. The best advice I can give is write some notes of important things down as bullet points, as we always forget the important stuff when put on the spot. And if you need to take a break for a drink, or just gather your thoughts, just ask.

Best of luck!

cazgee

Thank you I'm hoping it's stress free and I've got good representation. I'll let you know how it goes

cazgee

I'm just a bit anxious as because of the stroke I struggle to get my words out

Albus_Scope

Being anxious is totally understandable, but it'll be ok. 😊

Just take your time, don't rush or you'll only end up frustrating yourself. The bullet points really did help me and if you've got good representation, they'll have your back and can explain things for you when needed. You've got this, but please do make sure you let us know how you get on. 😁

cazgee

Thanks I will