Why register as disabled?

purpleluvbug

angelheart wrote: »

You can also get a blue badge if you are register blind or partially sighted. I have one for my son who is 9 years old and registered blind.

I wanted to register my son partially sighted. As he is blind in one eye. But because his other eye is ok, we can't do it... How silly is that????

sharon59

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I, too, have a Blue Badge, but only receive IB. Maybe different Councils have different criteria for issuing these?
I can't remember there being any questions about benefits onthe application form, only questions about disabilities. they issued mine super quick too as I enclosed a supporting letter from my GP.
I haven't applied for DLA as I find the form far too daunting. I've picked up a form at least 6 times, but find it so difficult to complete.
I have SLE, Reynaulds, MCTD and a T-Cell Lymphoma.
I must come from bad stock!!

You really MUST apply fot DLA if only to give yourself a few extras.Sounds like you will be entitled to it.A disibility advisor at the CAB will fill it for you if you get an appointment.sO PLEASE DO IT!

zzzLazyDaisy

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I haven't applied for DLA as I find the form far too daunting. I've picked up a form at least 6 times, but find it so difficult to complete.
I have SLE, Reynaulds, MCTD and a T-Cell Lymphoma.
I must come from bad stock!!

Hi, Axe, just wanted to say, please do make the DLA application. Yes the form is horribly detailed and it is stressful completing it, I won't deny that. But that extra money could go towards making your life more comfortable. If you phone DLA they will send a form to you, and if your application is successful the award is backdated to the date they sent it out to you.

You do need expert help though, so do go and see a CAB welfare benefits adviser, as they do this all the time and know how to word things.

Good luck

(ps sorry this is off topic)

Babshubbie

The rules of the Blue Badge scheme say;

You can get a Badge if:

You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the DLA.

You receive a War Pensioners Mobility Supplement.

You are registered blind.

You have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive but cannot turn the steering wheel even if that steering wheel is fitted with a turning knob.

You have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.

Local authorities are required to ask for proof.

In view of these requirements, it makes me wonder how some people manage to get them.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thanks for the replies to my post, sorry it was off topic OP.
I know I should apply - I really do need to kick my butt into gear. I've become an expert procrastinator!
I'm going to get on the phone now to get an appointment with an advisor to help with form completion.
Hugs to you all.

marie17

I too am disabled as I was born with dislocated hips and curvature of the spine. 50 years ago when i was born they tried several times to help me but nothing worked. now i can hardly walk more than a few yards without being in servere pain. I get the middle rate of care allowance, even though i need quite a lot of help. But I understand what Babshubbie means when they said how do some people get it. I know someone who walks round town for hours, decorates, does the garden and DIY for herself and gets the higest rate of care, has DLA and a blue badge. She even admits herself that she can't undstand why she gets it. The system is unfair. I have seen many a person pull up in a disabled parking space, get out and just go, with no badge displayed. Genuine people should get the forms and apply, then appeal if turned down, as I was the first time. good luck to "Careful with that Axe". Hope it all works out for you.

lessonlearned

re Attendance Allowance & Carer's Allowance

Hi Babshubbie

Regarding you not being allowed to claim Carer's Allowance because you have too much in savings, I agree it is horribly complicated but my understanding is this.

By virtue of the fact that your wife receives Attendance Allowance you are eligible for what is known as the Carer's Premium (but no actual money). However, because you are entitled to the Carer's Premium you have certain entitlements such as Pensions Credit etc. If you receive Pensions Credit this then opens the door to a range of benefits. It is all very complicated and I suggest you get some help with all the forms etc. possibly through your GP surgery or Citizen's Advice or Help the Aged.

If you are an ex-serviceman like my father, SAFFA are very helpful.

Regarding the blue badge, you do not have to receive Disability Living Allowance in order to claim your blue badge. If either your wife or yourself have walking difficulties then it is sufficient for your GP to confirm this in writing - there is a section on the application form.

I would agree with the other posters who suggest that you ask your local Social Services for an assessment, you can either approach them direct or via your GP.

I started the ball rolling for my elderly parents a few years ago, neither of whom receive DLA but my mother now receives AA and has a blue badge. Thanks to their assessment my parents can stay in their own home rather than going into a care home - stairlift and adapted bathroom etc.

Hope this is of help to you & Good Luck.

Babshubbie

Thank you, lessonlearned. I wonder if I have misled you.

Because I am over pensionable age (not because of savings) I am not eligible for any carers allowance. We did claim Attendance allowance and receive it at the higher rate. We also applied successfully for a Blue Badge.

Although I am 82years old, I am lucky to be reasonably fit and able to drive, but as I have to do pretty well everything for my wife, I need to pay a cleaner, gardener and handyman to keep myself free to shop, feed etc. We installed a stairlift and have bought various aids. All help from the local authority is means tested, so we get nothing there.

I am not complaining but I worry about things if I was taken ill, suddenly or otherwise.

Horace

purpleluvbug wrote: »

I wanted to register my son partially sighted. As he is blind in one eye. But because his other eye is ok, we can't do it... How silly is that????

I know - I have the same problem, blind in one eye but shortsighted in the other. I can't get DLA either because I can decide what I want for dinner and cook it but I can't actually climb up to change a lightbulb because I have dizzy spells. One blessing though - I am still able to drive:D

Mojisola

Babshubbie wrote: »

Because I am over pensionable age (not because of savings) I am not eligible for any carers allowance. We did claim Attendance allowance and receive it at the higher rate.

My parents both get Attendance Allowance and both claim Carer's Allowance for each other although the money comes as Carer's Premium. They are in their 80s.