The Advice Team, operated by Dorset’s disability charity Diverse Abilities, has been successful in 93.5 per cent of its appeal cases in the 2019/20 financial year.
Following a 20 per cent increase in demand for its services over the same period, the Advice Team has continued its record of success in helping people with disabilities and their families claim the financial support they are entitled to.
Elaine Ewing, Advice Team manager, commented: “Benefit applications and appeals are an incredibly stressful process during what is already an emotionally intense situation and it is easy to become overcome by the process. We always advise our clients to remember the ‘yes, but’ model of answering questions – yes you may be able to take your medication every day, but only because someone prompts you – these important contextual extras are all important when it comes to explaining your individual situation during an assessment or when completing a benefit application.”
More than 450 people have also been helped by the Advice Team in creating Lasting Powers of Attorney, requesting telephone advice, and completing benefit applications. The Advice Team also assists clients with Limited Capability for Work applications, Carers Allowance (CA), Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance (AA), Blue Badges, and Personal Independence Payments (PIP), as well as referring clients to free wills and wills with trusts.
Elaine added: “Our advisors are experienced and supportive when helping people in often overwhelming situations. Applying for disability benefits and preparing legal documentation for appeals can be a daunting task, so we strive to do everything we can in order to make the process as seamless as possible.”
Call 0300 330 5514 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm for more details, or email advice@diverseabilities.org.uk for further information. The Advice Team supports those in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and beyond through telephone appointments.