DISABILITY BENEFITS GO UNCLAIMED

Millions of pounds of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance go unclaimed every year, says a new report by MacMillan Cancer Relief.

The report highlights how Disability Living Allowance for those under 65 and Attendance allowance for over 65’s goes unclaimed for a variety of reasons.

 “Many people diagnosed with Cancer, or their friends/family/partners or carers do not claim the benefits they are entitled to, the distress of having the illness puts many off claiming as it can be a struggle to get the correct level of benefit if refused on a first claim, said” Gary Martin of Walthamstow CAB.

Claimants still need to put as much information on the forms about how their illness or disability affect their ability to get around or the amount of help they need with things like cooking, washing/bathing, dressing/undressing and generally getting around, we hope that more people will claim the benefits they may be entitled, supporting medical evidence may be required and claimants should make their GP’s aware of the problems they face to make sure they can answer requests for evidence honestly.

DLA/AA can have a positive effect on Housing/Council Tax Benefit and often improves a claimant’s financial situation, which would be affected by as sudden loss or drop in income.

Awards of benefits also have a positive impact on the grant given to local authorities by Central Government as the local deprivation is calculated by the number of benefit claimants among other factors.

If refused there is a strict one-month deadline for requesting a reconsideration, the decision could be changed, if not there is a further month to appeal, claimants should try to seek help with the process from a CAB or other agency.

Many decisions are overturned after being reconsidered and there can be a chance to state your case in front of an independent tribunal, again often with success.

“Completing the application well is the key to a successful claim”, said Gary, include as much information and attach medical evidence if you have it.

Anyone who needs help completing the form can ask the Disability Benefits Centre to help and they can complete the form over the phone and send a copy to the claimant to sign.

If awarded benefit it is important to make the Department for Work and Pensions aware as well as Revenue Services so that their entitlements can be reassessed.

ASK FOR A BENEFIT CHECK TO MAKE SURE ALL THE RIGHT BENEFITS HAVE OR CAN BE CLAIMED AT THE RIGHT TIME.

Walthamstow CAB, 167 Hoe Street, E17 3AL

Website www.walthamstowcab.org.