I have been turned down for incapacity benefit - what can I do?

I have been unable to work for some time because of serious health problems but my claim for incapacity benefit has been turned down following a medical.  My own doctor thinks this is wrong and agrees with me that I am not capable of working.  I am worried sick about what will happen to me now.

If you’ve had your claim for Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance turned down, you should get advice about appealing.  Lots of decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to refuse or withdraw these benefits from people are wrong and are overturned on appeal.

You should do this within one month of the decision.  If you appeal against a decision that you cannot get Incapacity Benefit because you are capable of work, you can claim Income Support while you are waiting for the appeal to be heard if you are on a low income.

When you appeal, the office which made the decision will look at the decision again in case it can be changed straight away.  Otherwise it will go to an appeal hearing where it will be looked at by an independent tribunal, which is a panel of up to three people who are experts on benefits and completely separate from the offices which make benefit decisions.

Preparing for an appeal can be difficult and going to a tribunal can be daunting, so get help from an experienced adviser.

For advice and information on benefits search the hereforadvice Directory.

Please note that some organisations provide advice specifically for older people, the disabled.