DLA Success!

Hi Everyone at Benefits and Work,

After years of DLA renewals which always took months/years (2 years last time) of hell with appeals, tribunals etc, I have for the first time been awarded DLA after a visit from an EMP.
Every EMP I have ever been assessed by has written the most inaccurate, unbelievable rubbish imaginable. I naturally expected this one to do the same.

I'm used to them being basically pleasant and seemingly understanding during the visit, but on reading their reports, could not believe they would go away and write the opposite of everything I had said, and such a vitriolic attack. Getting them overturned is a nightmare.
Well, I think I must have finally been sent a rare example of an EMP who was very pleasant, very professional and understanding, and by the result, one who finally did accept the immense level of illness and disability I suffer.

The decision letter stated they had used my claim form and the EMP report to arrive at their decision. I used the B&W guides for the first time to complete the form with more information than ever before, & included a GP letter. I was quietly confident, and hoped they wouldn't need to send a doctor.

When they told me they were sending one I knew I would be in for another horrendous battle. I seriously considered whether I could cope with another onslaught, and would just have to give up, even not going through with the medical. But like so many of us, I know I cannot afford to exist without this help.
I think I'm still in shock, as only a week after the medical, I received the letter of entitlement. HR mobility and HR care (as before). Also for the first time:
Indefinitely! It's always been for 2 years at a time.

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all at B&W and to all who have responded to my questions on the forum. I truly could not have done this without your help. I know without doubt the renewal guides were paramount to my claim form being properly completed and a big part of the success of my renewal. I wish I'd had them years ago. The general support of the forum is absolutely essential as there really was no one else I could ask, and knowing someone there would be able to help.

And now for some questions.....!
What exactly does 'Indefinitely' mean? It sound like forever, but I know that's not possible! I don't want to sound ungrateful, but when it's for a fixed time (2 years) you know when the dreaded renewal form will arrive!
It states in the letter they may contact me from time to time to check whether my award is still correct. Does anyone have an idea how long that might be?

The other Q is:
As this is my first 'successful' EMP assessment, I would be very interested to read the medical report.
Also, I think I read somewhere on the B&W site (searched but can't find it) to ask the DWP for a copy of the report even if you have won, as it should be kept as part of your own DLA file. Am I imagining this?
Perhaps it might be useful for future renewals/appeals if your circumstances haven't changed, and another EMP then writes a contradictory report.

I thought the DWP only send a copy if you need to appeal.
Would they consider it an odd request and what reason would I give to ask for one?

All My Very Best,

Bunty.

This info was gratefully received courtesy of adamant. You can ask the DWP for copies of information held about you. I did this for a copy of my IB medical report and was not asked for any reason. Or you can download a form from the DWP website (I think that I just googled DWP) called Request for personal Information (Subject Access Request) It is a simple form and you are not asked for any reason. . Also Jim reassued me by explaining that these requests are made in their thousands each week so do not worry about making one. You have to print out the form and sign it and I believe that the DWP are obliged to send you the info within 40 days

Thanks Anne for explaining this. We are down on moderators at the moment for various reasons, so we always welcome members help.

Best wishes.

Jim

Hi Anne,

Thank you, and adamant and jim for your replies. I do feel better about asking for a copy of the report now. But I've hit a bit of a glitch. I've been on the DWP site to download the form, and searched under the headings suggested (request for personal information etc.),
but there doesn't seem to be anything in the list for this particular form. Am I looking at it and missing it? I must admit to total brain-fry at the moment, so it's possible it's me!

Many thanks,

Bunty.

Just a quick note re my last post. I have managed to find the form on the DWP site.
I tried again with the same headings and this time it appeared! I've no idea why it didn't work yesterday. Anyway, thanks very much for your help.

All the best,

Bunty.

Jim I am sorry to hear that B&W have taken against moderators (joke - can't find the smiley). So pleased that you are better.