Should I apply for DLA??

LilacPixie

Can I please have some outside opinions please. I have Megaloblastic anemia. I have done for years but was only diagnosed in 2003. As a result of delays in treatment I have some permenant damage to the nerves inmy hand and arms, i have no feeling at all in 4 fingers and constant tingling in another 3. I cannot judge temperature and have scalded myself several times just because i didn'trealise the water was so hot. I also have some localised nerve damage in my left leg and foot but not as bad as my hands.

As a result I struggle with balance alot. Changes in floor surface poses ahuge problem for me as does unfamiliar places. My husband won't let me cook now because I invariably burn/scald/cut myself. Showering/baths are alsoa problem because I can't really stand for the amount of time a shower takes and I have once again scalded the sole of my foot after running myself a bath.

I need weekly co-balamin injections sometimes increasing to daily if my red cells go haywire. Iam in the 'highrisk' banding for stomach cancer so get a gastroscope every 6 months as a precaution.

Personally I just get on with things, I work full time, I have a very understanding employer who allows me to work remotly from home when symptoms are too much for me. I am probably too independent and stubborn to admit most of the time that I need help but I really do.

I think that applying for DLA would be a waste of time as its for the real disabled,I have hears of people who are paraysed being refused so I know I stand zero chance but can anyone else suggest somewhere i/we could get some help. My husband is terrified I will seriously hurt myself and we have two young children.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello Lilacpixie,

You should claim for DLA.
It's not just for the physical disabilities that everyone can see, but also the more hidden disabilities, like mental health issues and those such as yourself.

DLA is all about the care that you need because of your condition, the ability to prepare a meal and bathing are area's considered, and you do appear to be a danger to yourself.
There are sometimes difficulties when claiming, but the more medical information you have about your condition, will help the decision makers when they look at your claim pack.

If you would like help in filling out your forms, DIAL is a very good source of help, and it's run by disabled people for disabled people, so they have seen it all before.

http://www.dialuk.info

I also suggest you look at the benefits now website.
The Decision Makers Guide is a good section to look at, as it will explain the difference in terminology used.

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk

There is also the CAB.

Don't get disheartened with the process. It's often hard to consider what we struggle to do for ourselves, and seeing it all put on paper is sometimes pretty grim, but you should persue it,

Good Luck

Munchie:D

LilacPixie

Thank you munchie.

You have pretty much hit the nail on the head. I tend to try and brush past the things I can't do for myself rather than sit and think about them. When i am forced to think about it I am shocked and actually a bit scared.

Thanks again forthe websites Iwill have a read of them this evening.

Gemmzie

One of the most straightforward low rate care criteria is not being able to cook a meal from scratch safely. So you should get at least that.

TaBunny

Years ago when I was still working I used to get disability working allowance which makes sure you are getting your money topped up to the right amount for your disability needs, it really is worth applying I'm sure you will get something and to be honest even if you only get a small amount of money it's worth being registered with DLA so you can claim discounts on so many other things like theatre, cinema and entrance to many attractions this may seem a bit trivial to mention but when you are suffering every little helps as Tesco would say. Good luck let us know how you get on.

LilacPixie

I just had a look at the forms on the direct.go.uk website. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello Lilacpixie,

Lovely, arn't they!? :rolleyes:

I would phone up the claim line and ask for the forms, that way, you claim will be back dated from the date you phone up. 08457 123456.
The forms do ask the same questions in different ways, but the more information you include in support of your claim the better.
I would get advice on filling the forms in, as somewhere like the CAB or DIAL will know how put the information down, when you have done it once, you will understand how to word things.
Keep copies of everything.

Good Luck

Munchie

Ames

The forms are scary! I can't stress enough how important an experienced welfare rights officer is, I go to DIAL, they're amazingly good.

And you've got nothing to lose by applying, and have a really good chance of getting the £17.75 a week lower rate care, if nothing else.

qwertyuiop12345

From what you have described here I would think you have a very good chance of being awarded the lower rate care component.

Whilst this component isn't a particularly large sum of money (£17.75 a week) it should cover the costs for you to hopefully get some equipment that might make it safer for you to look after yourself.

Good luck with your application.

welshman1982

Hi Lilac Pixie.

Yes you should claim. I do not know if you are aware but anyone is entitled to make a claim to any benefit they wish to. Under the Customer Charter DWP has a duty to allow you to make a claim to any benefit. Weather you are successful with your claim is another matter enitrely. But its worth applying for. The worst that can happen is they say no. If you want assistance with your claim forms then ask anyone you wish to. From my experience the Citizens Advice Bureau & Occupational Therapists or Social Workers have vast experience when it comes to claim form completing and are generally happy to help.

With DLA remember for every answer to describe you on your worst possible day. Even if it only accurrs every so often as this is what they want to know. One last piece of advice, after completing any claim form its worth keeping a copy of what you've written/completed. Even if its just a photocopy, if the form goes missing or DWP cannot find it or its misplaced you do not have to go through all that form filling again as you have a copy. If any further information is ever required you also have something to refer to.

I hope this helps.

cumbrianpip

Claim claim claim!
There is nothing to lose.
The worst they can do is say no... and you can ask them to reconisider that!