Nora's story
'I decided to appeal when they turned me down for Attendance Allowance because my sight had got really bad.
An adviser at my GP surgery helped me complete the appeal form. I can’t say it was an enjoyable experience – writing down all the problems I have. We had to go into every little detail – right down to how I need somebody to cut my toenails. It made me feel old and useless. But he said we had to spell out every thing, or they wouldn’t know why they were wrong.
My doctor wrote a letter to confirm what I said. And my daughter helped me keep a record of all the things I needed help with.
When the day came to go to the hearing, I was very nervous. They asked me a lot of questions - some of which seemed a bit rude, but I suppose it was ok.
After a few minutes wait, they agreed I should have been receiving it all along.
Now I use the money to pay a woman to come and help me cook and do my hair and things. It was definitely worth it. Now I don’t have to ask my daughter for help, and I can just enjoy her company when she’s here.'
Nora, 79
