Dla

TheEffect

I'm pretty annoyed. I'm 17 and have been getting DLA since I was 16 (Parents got it before then for me). I've been getting lower mobility and middle care (Around £250 a month) for all my life, however DLA send a form saying I had to renew my DLA a few months ago. I got a letter from them today telling me I'm only getting LOWER for both care and mobility now.

I'm really annoyed. I'm registered partially blind and need care from people, however they've now put me down to £140 a month from £250.

I phoned and asked why and they said it's probably because I'm 17 now and not a young teenager like before. They offered to get it checked over by another assesser, which I've agreed to...

I'm just really shocked. I need to same care and help as I did when I was young.

gemmalouanna

This is the case with many people on DLA when they become 'adults'

McKneff

my husband has no sight in one eye and no periphal vision in the other and he gets about £70 per month.. DLA Like the other poster say it's pretty usual for adults.

SuziQ

They seem to think you DON'T need the same care suddenly-like you can just change overnight like cindrella? It's still a useful amount of money for adaptions though.

Did you get help from experts to fill the claim form in? If not it may be advisable to appeal.

minimadtrix

If it was me, I'd appeal the decision.

lil_me

Always be aware that if you appeal it can be reduced, but if you think you're entitled to more then I would personally appeal, you can also submit further evidence from medical professionals (after asking who's evidence they used) and ask for a reconsideration which is usually quicker than appealing. I know very few adults who are blind who receive more than lower rate of both. It may be worth contacting welfare rights to ask for their advice. It may be worth requesting advice from the RNIB. Your care coordinator may also be able to offer advice.

[Deleted User]

A couple of points,better to appeal than ask for a review as a review is part of the appeal process anyway,you have four weeks to get your appeal in,but if you ask for a "statement of reasons"this is extended to 6 weeks.
TBH I doubt that the change is anything to do with your age,my (step)grandson had to re-apply for dla and his stayed the same hrc hrm
If you do appeal try and get some help from welfare rights and go for an oral not a written hearing if possible as they stand a better chance of succeeding

far

lil_me wrote: »

I know very few adults who are blind who receive more than lower rate of both. It may be worth contacting welfare rights to ask for their advice.

This shouldn't be happening (at least in theory). Someone who's totally blind should be able to get DLA Middle Rate Care due to the Mallinson judgement but, as always, care needs differ from person to person so some may have fewer care needs.

parisjordana

good luck to you when you get it reviewed and failing that go for appeal.....its a tough system,I do feel for you it must be hard and I know what you mean by just because you are nearly an adult the care doesnt all of a sudden change its exactly the same and sometimes worse,iv been trying to get a bit of money for my son hes the same age as you hes on the ASD spectrum,his dad (my husband) and I have always cared for him since he was born and just because hes nearly 18 the amount of care doesnt decrease,my husband goes out to work everyday I cant as I have to be here for my son,if it got easier when he was 18 I would be off to work myself but who would be here to help my son? he needs me. All I will say is keep going and fighting till the end for what should be yours,it is hard but keep going.Make sure you have someone to help you fill in the forms and dont do it alone,they are so hard to fill in,can you submit any extra information from people wo know you or help you,it helps....good luck