Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E.), DLA & debt

bigzippy

Oops - looks like I may've killed this thread.... Hope I didn't offend anyone!

hjb123

well Ive got my medical today at DWP, am dreading it, have had two before, one three years since which I failed and had to appeal. Last one 18 months since I passed so was happy but now the time has come round again, just hope I get a sympathetic or understanding doctor like last time:D

lollipoplady

Re: DLA

To all of you who have not claimed DLA yet, please try. Find your local welfare advice centre - they can help you - forget the DLA helpline they are not helpful!

I won't lie to you these forms are horrible - they made me cry - but if you are entitled to this benefit then please try. Ask friends or family to help if you cannot find a welfare advice centre. Ask the CAB they may have some one who can help, but I doubt it!

Remember the hardest thing about these forms is being brutally honest with yourself and that is hard I know but after you have finshed the forms put the "feelings" back "in the box".

bails

This is so true Lollipoplady - I have just filled in my DLA renewal form and it was completely heartbreaking. In spite of that, it is SO worth applying as the money is really, really helpful in the fight to improve. My local CAB have been incredibly helpful. I went to appeal the first time - I had no energy to deal with it so was going to give up but my lovely boyfriend gently persuaded me to give it a shot. The CAB helped me massively and provided a proper legal document type thing citing evidence from past cases as to why I was entitled. The panel took about 30 seconds to decide I was eligible!:T I sent my CAB officer a bouquet of flowers to thank her for all her hard work - she was fantastic!

fiestafantastic

I had real troubles trying to claim DLA. They said that as I didnt need personal care I wasnt eligible for that and as I never left the house I was not eligible for the mobility part.

bails

Did you appeal fiesta? I can't remember the exactfigures but something like half of all ME/CFS applications fail first time round.

TOBRUK

fiestafantastic wrote: »

I had real troubles trying to claim DLA. They said that as I didnt need personal care I wasnt eligible for that and as I never left the house I was not eligible for the mobility part.

I've never heard such rubbish! Sorry, that wasn't helpful, the fact that you don't leave the house is not a reason, you don't have to leave the house to be eligible! It is to do with your needs and the way your illness/condition affects you!

I had to fight for DLA the first couple of times I applied and although I didn't feel like it and really didn't want the hassle it was worth pursuing. Don't give up or give in.;)

TOBRUK

hjb123 wrote: »

well Ive got my medical today at DWP, am dreading it, have had two before, one three years since which I failed and had to appeal. Last one 18 months since I passed so was happy but now the time has come round again, just hope I get a sympathetic or understanding doctor like last time:D

Hi hjb123, hope your medical went ok today - it is a trying and worrying time I know.

pink_fairy_5

hello everyone, i have a medical for IB tomorrow (well NI contributions as i failed my last medical and have been fighting a tribunal ever since, 18 months ago) have alomost given up the fight - it seems hopeless. but my hubby has convinced me to go tommoro. might change my mind before then (cant face it) but we'll see.
oh recently failed app for dla as well, have no money for rent or bills, its a nightmare! sorry am down tonight. have had M.E for as long as can remember but only recently getting help (am 28) good luck to you all xxx

hjb123

good luck pink_fairy for the medical, I had one yesterday, not really too sure how it went, could go either way, just want the letter to come through then I can get on with life again for a while:D