Scared to apply for DLA

sheeps68

I downloaded the forms for DLA and filled them in that way. I would suggest you do that too as you can change things as you go. Also you can add any extra information you may have in the form of letters, pictures by posting them. It does mean you also keep a copy too!

But please post with original forms as that way they will link the 2 and you can get any DLA award backdated to the date you called for the forms.

[Deleted User]

Always a good idea to make a copy of the forms before returning them,and if possible send them registered post,so they cant say they didnt get them.
Expect the claim process to take around 12 weeks,but as already said it will be back-dated to the date of receiving the forms
good luck,let us know how it goes

Lady_K

I recieved my form and went to the doctors. It was a different doctor in the practise but I wasnt able to go into details about things as to be honest it took me so long to get to the doctors I missed my appointment time. She did still agree to see me but as she had squeezed me in it wasnt really appropriate that I go through the DLA thing that day. I just got another hospital referral arranged and a couple of other things and thought at least I had turned up and it will be on my records.

Would it be ok for my daughter to fill in the form for me? I know people say its better to get someone to fill it in but as its my daughter it isnt like the cab is it, would that matter? I just don't like discussing things with the cab. She does help with some of my care needs too so she knows the problems I have. Also as my writing is pretty horrendous could I type out the extra information part and staple it onto the form?

I've had the form a few days and just am not looking forward to doing it even with help as to get it all across just what things are like is not really easy. I hate the thought of a Doctor visiting but I'll have to do it.

mum2one

Thats no problem at all getting your daughter to fill in the form, there a section that you can sign to say that someone has filled it in on your behalf, the forms not that bad, just look through it, dont rush and be as honest as possible.
Sometimes they may not send a GP to u, they may take it from the info on your form, and if they contact ur gp or hospital.
If you do have to have a gp out to see you, you can also ask for a lady gp if that would make u feel more at home, they come to you, look at what you can or cant do, have a chat about ur prescriptions etc, and u have a friend / memebr of family there with you.

If its any help my renewal pack has come out and I've got to get it filled in, ite been on the side for 2 weeks, but i know I have to give myself a big kick up the rear and plan to do it over the weekend. xx

Trasthmatic

Dont forget that if you are having trouble filling in the claim pack you can call 0800 88 22 00 where someone will help you explain what your needs are and write down what you tell them to. They will then post your claim back to you for signing and checking and you can add any extra info you think applies before returning it.

proudmum32

Hi
Im new to the board so hello to start with :j
My son has down syndorme and i have recently applied for DLA and am awaiting to hear back.
His inclusion support keyworker helped me fill it out so if your son has a support worker etc maybe they could help, just a thought for you
Good luck anyway

bobmccluckie

Be advised that it is best if the forms are filled in by someone who knows the 'system'. The criteria used by the doctor who assesses the form is totally formulaic, ie how many times a night questions put 3 it triggers a certain response and how often responses of 20 minutes trigger another response etc. Experience in knowing what is required can make all the difference in getting or not getting DLA/Attendance Allowance.

Lady_K

Thankyou bobmccluckie

I still havent applied yet but I will have to soon as it has to be done before 27th feb. I don't really know anyone that knows the system. I don't feel too great about cab or anyone really as its personal stuff you have to put down and quite embarrassing, so far the plan is that my daughter give me a hand with it and her write in the 'statement by someone that knows you' bit. Hope they will accept that as my daughter thought it had to be a non relative

Jazzy_B

I went to the social work department, and saw a welfare rights worker, in a private room. We went through the form , and she asked me a few things about my disability.
She didn't put words into my mouth, but asked me how I managed to do various tasks.
If I had not spoken to her, I would not have thought the things she asked about were relevant to my claim, as I manage to do them albeit slowly.
I hadn't even admitted to myself that these were problems and relevant to my claim.Since I last posted, I have been awarded DLA, and I don't think I would have got it without her help. Things I thought were important were not relevant to the claim, and she pointed me in the right direction.
If you can pluck up the courage to go, I think it's well worth it. She was very nice, and I didn't feel she was intrusive at all. Everything is confidential.
Straight after, I felt very depressed because I had to admit to myself the problems I was having. I didn't feel good about seeing it on paper, but now I feel it was worth the hassle.
My husband filled in the part of the form to give more information, and I know they contacted my GP for a report.
Once again, good luck.

cumbrianpip

Many DLA customers also receive IB
DLA will not necessarily write to your GP, if they do you can ask DLA to send you a copy
You can request a medical yourself, from an independent GP if you prefer that to filling in the forms - they often invite you to go to them but give a number to ring them back if that is not convenient
I would advise you fill in the forms with as much detail as you can and certainly get help with them as others have said...
DLA have a forms completion service also if you are unable to get help yourself. If you ring the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 they will take your details and can arrange a call back to do it over the phone just tell them what form it is you have, or they can arrange a home visit. DLA do not have 'visiting officers' so it is arranged through the local DWP office be it a job centre visitor or the local pension service