Hi, I wonder can anyone give me some advice, I've been on illness benefit since 2011, now this is finished I have applied for disability allowance, as I suffer with chronic back and hip pain.(attending a pain specialist, several MRIs and X-rays, I have a disc protrusion in my lower back and hip subluxation in both hips) now awaiting surgery. I received word yesterday that my claim was refused on medical grounds, the deceiding officer doesn't feel that my condition will keep me out of work for a year? I went to my local social welfare office where I was told I could either appeal or try to claim disability pension. I was told I could not claim off my stamps as I was not working in the relevant year and as my husband is working I would not be entitled to any other type of help. Does anyone know how long an appeal would take or what else I can do?