Scared to apply for DLA

Lady_K

I have been on incapacity benefit for a few years now and a lot of people tell me to try and claim DLA, they think I should be entitled. Thing is I darent try and claim for it after reading some of the stories of people on incapcity that have had it stopped and DLA when they are clearly in need of it.

I do not go to my Doctor even though its only about 100 metres away for various reasons but mainly because I have such difficulty going out physically and mentally. I do have obvious physical problems and I am under the hospital for another progressive one but I dont attend appointments because of my difficulties going out. My physical and mental problems mean I very rarely ever go out. I have tried going to speak to my Doctor before but she is really so bad she should not be doing the job, too long to go into but this makes me even more reluctant to go. Really she just has no interest and doesnt seem to put anything in my notes so really I dont think I'd do very well trying to get DLA because she doesnt know me or more to the point she does not want to despite being my Doctor for the last probably 15 years. I think you need the support of doctor to back you up for claiming DLA don't you? and my records wont really show that much because shes not interested enough or dismisses anything I've tried to tell her.

I am too scared to try for DLA in case it might trigger them looking into my incapcity benefit and then maybe they may take it off me even though I know I need to be on it. The thought of them saying I should have to go onto jsa would have a serious effect on my mental health as I know I can't get to the job center unless it was by taxi and as for working I know I couldnt do it. But they seem to be finding any reason at all to put people back on JSA to get them back into work even people who are disabled.

I have not been asked to attend any appointment with the doctor or advisor from the dwp for incapicity benefit since I was put on it so as there is this big shake up to benefits I wondered if it is best left untouched rather than claim

black_paw

hi ,every one has a medical for incapacity benefit at some point even a few years later. they will look at your hospital notes and doctor's ,so it's in your best interest to go to appointment = proof of illness . sorry to hear you don't get on with your doctor but normally you can ask to see some one else. im registered to one doctor but always see another ,as my doctor was'nt available when i had the accident and i saw him , so i kept to him as he has seen me go down hill since . and knows what i can do or not.the forms for DLA are like a knightmare to fill in and i advice you in getting some help filling them in. your local disabily centre/dial/CAB will help you and im shaw they have some one to come out to your house to help you . but DLA is a benefit for things you can't do, not an illness .you have to like, not being able to walk or hardly unable to, hardly do stairs, wash ,bend down,or use your hands to do a meal ect , and a doctor comes out to asess you in you home to see for himself want you can not do. lots involved !! but get advice first fingers crossed for you

Lady_K

What are the medical interviews like would they let me have one at home rather than at the dwp?

I am going to try and see another doctor at the practise but I do find it difficult. I know though if I have not attended my doctor it could go against me as its like saying I don't need to go. Thing is I do but as I said its something I find very difficult. I'm going to have to though.

anguk

DLA is also for getting out and about so if you perhaps need someone with you when you go out you may be entitled to DLA. It really is best to get proper advice because all cases are different, sometimes you have an assessment sometimes you don't. My husband gets high rate mobility and middle rate care and nobody has ever been out to assess him, the DLA was just awarded by what was on his claim form.

Is there perhaps a benefits advisor at your jobcentre who you could talk to on the phone for some advice?

Tobytuppence

Hello, My friend went today to collect his Incapacity Beneift and there was an extra £60 - what would this be for???? Could anyone help me please? Thanks

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello Ancilla,

For people who receive the benefits where there is a £10 Christmas bonus, they will also receive a £60 one off payment, which is due to be paid between January and March,
Your friend obviously has theirs.

Munchie

Ames

Claiming DLA shouldn't affect your IB, they're different benefits. In fact, if you get a high award of DLA it may mean you don't have to have IB assessments any more. DLA medicals are usually carried out in the claimants house.

DLA care can be awarded for mental health difficulties, I get higher rate for mine. It's about the problems you have, not the name of an illness.

I'd change your doctor too, she sounds worse than useless!

black_paw

munchings-n-crunchings wrote: »

Hello Ancilla,

For people who receive the benefits where there is a £10 Christmas bonus, they will also receive a £60 one off payment, which is due to be paid between January and March,
Your friend obviously has theirs.

Munchie

yes i got the xmas bonus , and i found the £60 in the bank on Saturday . well pleased be able to put towards bills. :T

Lady_K

Thanx I'll let you know how I get on when I eventually get to my Doctors, I plan to go just about everyday and never get there, like today.

[Deleted User]

My advice would be apply for it and get some help filling in the forms,welfare rights might be your best bet,DLA will only have a possible positive effect on I/B,and might also mean additional premiums meaning you could also get income support if you dont now
good luck

Jibbajabba

I agree with ALL the advice you have already been given.

1. You can (and do) get DLA without a supportive Doctor - just a bit harder and does rely on a medical (usually at home) to back you up. Despite some horror stories about poor examiners a lot are very good.

2. CHANGE your doctor!!!!!

I've only replied to say it sounds like you are struggling, whether you get DLA or not I think you need some support which you are not getting. I know it's hard because it's part of the problem but if your mental health problem(s) are enduring you need some help whether from an understanding doctor or access to a mental health team member.

Good luck.