What happens when IB stops but nearing retirement age.

margaretclare

Newly_retired wrote: »

I work at CAB and have helped several people complete DLA and AA forms. Yes, we do advise clients to describe their worst days. This is not lying. This is when you really need the help. Also describe what you CAN'T do, not what you can.
I recall my mum aged 91 telling her GP how well she was and how she cooked meat and 3 veg every day, + a pudding and custard. The truth was that latterly, she really really struggled to do that once a week at most. The other days she had meals on wheels. She wanted to paint a good picture of what she could do at her best, but this was not realistic or helpful.
I hope this example is useful and backs up the theory.

Thank you for this. It does make me feel better. There are one or two people who post on these boards who have actually accused me of lying. One of the best pieces of advice I had was from Ted Hutchinson. 7DWE and some others have been very supportive and I'm grateful to them.

One of the things that annoys me is the complete differential between the criteria for DLA and those for AA. A good example is the question of cooking a meal. According to the Benefits Adviser I talked to, when I explained about long-standing back strain (work-related) making it difficult for me to bend to get a casserole out of the oven, she said 'well, this would be taken into consideration for DLA, but as you're over 65, for AA they don't assume you're still cooking your own meals, they think you could have a carer come in to do it or you could have meals-on-wheels'.

To those who called me a liar and a fraudster, this is a genuine difficulty, and I found out about it again today. DH can't get a casserole out of the oven - he's on crutches - and I had to do it. Boy, does my back let me know about it. Same with helping DH on with his slippers - it's the bending, it really creases my back.

Another example occurred to us just a few days ago. There was a possibility (well, it still exists) that DH would end up either with a completely stiffened left leg, or an amputation. We know of a man who has a stiff leg, but he's been able to get a specially-adapted car through the Mobility component of his DLA. DH could only apply for AA because he's over 65, and there is no mobility component. At present he is housebound because we can't get him into the car. Presumably it is assumed that, over 65, you don't have to go anywhere!

krisskross

I agree the DLA/AA forms should be completed explaining how things are on your worst days. BUT you do need to say how often worst case scenarios happen. It may only be once a month/week or it could be all the time.

As I said once before I get absolutely crippling migraines about once a month. No way would I be completing a form saying I ALWAYS have to be in a darkened room with someone to help me to the bathroom because of the dizziness and vomiting.

krisskross

margaretclare wrote: »

To those who called me a liar and a fraudster, this is a genuine difficulty, and I found out about it again today. DH can't get a casserole out of the oven - he's on crutches - and I had to do it. Boy, does my back let me know about it. Same with helping DH on with his slippers - it's the bending, it really creases my back.

Scenario like this I would have a built in oven at a comfortable height so no bending. I have to put my husband's compression stocking on for himas he doesn't have the strength in his hands. It hurts my back to bend over so I sit down to do it. Not so far to bend.