Can anyone help with a 2nd attempt at dla claim?

these4walls

Hello, 2 years ago I filled in a claim form for dla. I have panic disorder and severe agoraphobia. I’ve had these problems for many years and have gradually got worse and worse and I’m almost housebound now, except for certain familiar places ( only if they are ‘safe’ with more than 1 exit).
it took me ages to fill in the form. I have a foggy brain and it’s hard to focus, I guess from adrenaline being pumped around from daily panic attacks. Anyway, eventually send it off. An inspector came to my house as I am unable to travel to somewhere. 

I was scored 0 points and actually ridiculed on the reply. I’ve saved the letter but only been able to read it once. I
was devastated to read it. I’d put off applying for dla for a long time, it was like a last resort to me. I wasn’t strong enough to appeal and at the time I didn’t think I’d be around to need to worry about it any more.
But here I am. I want to apply again but it’s so daunting. Is there anywhere I can get help with this?

poppy123456

DLA no longer exists for those aged between 16 and state pension. It's now called PIP. It's not awarded based on any diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors.

We can advise you how to claim and the best way to fill out the form but we can physically help with filling out the forms.

When you receive the form you need to put as much information as possible about how your conditions affect you. (without telling your life story)

For each descriptor that applies you should add at least 2 real world examples of what happened the last time you attempted that activity. Include information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were.

Do be aware that they very rarely contact anyone for any evidence. The onus is on you to prove you qualify, not their's.

Have a read of this. https://pipinfo.net/

You should expect an assessment, which most are done through telephone, some people are now starting to attend face to face assessments and an assessment centre.

If the worst happens again and you're refused then i'd advise you to request the Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) then Tribunal.

To constantly re-apply using the same evidence again could see another refusal so challenging the decision is the best way, if you're certain you qualify.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I presume you mean pip rather than dla as dla has been replaced by pip 

You could try and get support from cab or welfare rights but I think they may only get involved in appeals 

Cab do sometimes help with form completing 

Some charities also may help suggest you look at any charities that specialise in the condition you suffer from 

these4walls

Yes sorry I meant pip. Do welfare rights and cab do these appointments by phone? As I won’t be able to get anywhere. Yes my daily living (living? I barely exist) is affected and I don’t have mobility as I’m unable to go very far without panic or fear of getting stuck in traffic. 

I had a face to face assessment last time. The assessor was pleasant enough whilst here but then went on to give me the 0 points. I’m suffering and I really would like help. 

these4walls

Thanks for the replies. I’ll get another form sent out and try again. I’m almost  scared to do it as it almost broke me last time. I spent weeks filling out the form, my experiences are vast of my problems but I tried to narrow it down. It’s so difficult to fill in regarding mental issues isn’t it. 

I’m unable to go to my gp as the surgery has locked doors now which is a no for me. 

Ok I’ll send for the form then look into it more. Thanks 

poppy123456

They do help with filling out forms, if you can get an appointment within the timecale the form needs to be returned by. To be honest, the best person to fill out the form is yourself because you are the only person that knows exactly how your conditions affect you. There's no specific wording you need to use, just give those real world examples as advised above.

these4walls

Thanks. I filled it out myself last time, I dug up many past experiences and it messed with my mind to do so. And I still got the response that I got so I’m worried that I’m doing something wrong. 

It’s nice to feel that there’s help and advice on here.

calcotti

these4walls said:

Thanks. I filled it out myself last time, I dug up many past experiences and it messed with my mind to do so. 

Bear in mind that even if you get help with the form they can only write down what you tell them so you will still need to fully explain your difficulties and dig up past examples of how you are affected.