If you or a dependent are injured, ill or disabled, you may be entitled to specific benefits related to disability or severe illness. To claim these benefits, you must apply for one of the following:
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
- Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
The process of applying for any one of these benefits can be difficult and, in many cases, applications are denied for lack of sufficient evidence. Following this, you can appeal the decision by way of Mandatory Reconsideration and then by a tribunal, and that’s where we can step in to help.
How Community can support you with a disability benefits appeal
As a member of Community, we can provide advice and support throughout the disability benefits appeal process, including advocacy at an appeal hearing and throughout the tribunal process.
Once a Mandatory Reconsideration notice is provided, there is a strict time limit of 28 days to appeal the decision of your application, so ensure that you contact us as soon as possible during this period to get support and avoid missing the appeal deadline.
Initially, we will check if your appeal has any prospects of success through assessing your application, as well as any supporting evidence. If your claim has reasonable prospects of success, we will support you through the appeal and tribunal processes.
We can also look to appeal any negative outcome during the tribunal process if we believe the initial decision was not legally correct.
How do I get disability benefits appeal support from Community?
If you are appealing a disability benefits decision, you should in the first instance, speak to your Branch Secretary (if you are in a recognised Community branch) or our Member Service Centre on 0800 389 6332, at help@community-tu.org, or by filling out this form. Please note that Community is unable to assist with any issue that pre-exists your membership with us.
Your matter will then be passed onto a Community Regional Officer or representative who will assist you in completing an application for legal assistance, and a relevant legal representative will be appointed to support you through the appeal process.
Frequently asked questions about disability benefits appeals
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Thank you. We have received your query
We have received your query and a member of our Service Centre Department will be in touch to discuss further with you.
Due to service demands it is not always possible for our advisors to reply to your query immediately. We aim to respond within 48 hours of receipt.
If your employer has invited you to a formal meeting (disciplinary, grievance or appeal) and you are seeking representation, if you have not already done so via this form, please provide us with all relevant supporting information including any notes/minutes from any investigation process and your email/letter of invitation, which should include full details of when and where the meeting is due to take place.
Please note that representation is not provided for investigation meetings.
If you have any further queries, please contact our Service Centre Department on 0800 389 6332 or at servicecentre@community-tu.org.
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