Should I apply for DLA??

LilacPixie

This is just a quick update.

I did decide to claim and I got help from the occupational therepist in my work to complete the forms. I got a letter yesterday saying I had been awarded the lowest care component until feb 2011.

munchings-n-crunchings

Well done LilacPixie,

I suggest you notify the Tax Credits office, as I believe there is a premium payable

Regards

Munchie

LilacPixie

there is and I have

mealone

"Changes in floor surface poses ahuge problem for me as does unfamiliar places. "

congratulations on your award but the statement you made in the OP (above) may entitle you to the lower rate mobility if you need help in unfamiliar places.

LilacPixie

they have declined my request for lower rate mobility I don't know if I should appeal that decision or just be happy with what I have been awarded.

LilacPixie

it says on my award notice

'Having considered the information i have decided the following:

Help with getting around outdoors

Although you have some restrictions, you are not unable to or virtually unable to walk.

This means you are not entitled to the mobility component.

Invasion

The lower rate mobility component has nothing to do with being unable or virtually unable to walk, it's about needing someone with you when you are out in an unfamiliar place, so if you were out in an unfamiliar town, where there were cobbles, and pavement, how would you cope? If you'd need someone to help you with identifying the different surfaces and adjusting your walking accordingly then you should qualify, go along the lines of "for my safety" so they're aware you're going for lower, and not higher... I'd say it's worth appealing

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello LilacPixie,

Get some advice before putting in an appeal.
You may only be asking for the mobility component to be looked at, but the whole decision will be looked at.
So you will be putting your award at risk.

Get advice, and it will be your final choice.

Regards

Munchie

LilacPixie

see thats what scares me. I was so surprised to get lower care granted without a fight I am scared to rock the boat and risk them getting annoyed with me and removing the whole award.

mealone

Seek advice and then if you can provide evidence of needing help out of doors then appeal.

As others have said low rate mobility has nothing to do with walking and more about help and supervision in unfamilier places which they may not have considered if you filled in the form on mobility needs alone.

people without knowlege of DLA often make the mistake of thinking that the mobility componant is all about walking and I think that the DWP should make it clearer the diffrent criteria for the low and high rates.