Important information if you ask for a re-review or appeal

Thanks to Jim (Tcell) for raising this. Also thanks for Steve (who is a Benefits Writer & Trainer) of the Benefits & Work website for coming back so quick with an answer.

The issue was:

"If I ask for a re-review or an appeal. Could that process result in the original decision made. Being lowered or my Disability Living Allowance being removed?"

I posted this to the members forum on Benefits & Work. You may need to subscribe to get access to this.

Steve replied:

"I'm afraid the answer to your question is that when you ask for a decision to be looked at again your award can be reduced or removed altogether. That applies regardless of the nature of the decision you are asking to have looked at.

Clearly the likelihood of this happening will depend very much on what evidence there is to support the current award. It's part of a welfare rights worker's job to assess the strength of a case and advise on the degree of risk - but there will always be some."

I mention this so that you can make a considered decision if you are unhappy with the result of your review and wish to challenge it.

Also I hope you see what a valuable resource the Benefits & Work website is.

If you want to read more about the site click here.

RNIB advice that is helpful to us all

The Royal National Insitiute of Blind People have published on their website.

The RNIB can only give INDIVIDUAL advice to those with SERIOUS SIGHT LOSS. Please do not approach them otherwise. Like many they have limited resources.

Some advice & guidance on


Attendance Allowance
Advisor's guide _ how to claim Attendance Allowance - tips for advisors.
Disability Living Allowance
Challenging a Decision about DLA & Attendance Allowance

Though this advice is from a "blind person's" view point. The central themes & processes apply to anyone claiming either allowance.

I hope this helps and empowers you with your claim.

Thanks to Nigel (of the Tcell team) for his research here.

BBC Ouch!

Though not directly linked to HIV here are some forum posts of those with other disabilities who are being assessed.

BBC Ouch! click here.