Mobility side of DLA once child turns 5? When do you hear?

blue_monkey_2

My son has just turned 5 and DWP said that they would contact us when he was almost 5 about the Mobility side of the claim. I was wondering whether I need to fill out more forms or whether they will contact me with them, or do they base the claim on the forms I have sent in? Nothing has changed really, it is much the same as it was before, maybe worse as he has gotten bigger and he is harder to carry. I don't want to call and harrass people but do not want to be forgotten either. Has anyone else been through this at all once a child turn 5?

I went to Tesco today and wondered if anyone else had problems with trolleys once their child gets too big for the one with the seat for toddlers. He is just getting too big for the Tesco one and I have real trouble getting him in and out - he got stuck today which was a bit of a nightmare, but if I put him in the trolley bit the minute I turn my back he is out and off. Any ideas on that side as well?

longhotbath

Hi Blue Monkey,
I would ring them if they havnt already contacted you....

For the trolley - go to customer services and ask if they will order a disabled child trolley - our Sainsburys and Tescos both have one (but only one! each).

They have a larger, easy access seat. We have the same problem, and its so embarrasing when my son get stuck - generally at the knees or at the splints!!

blue_monkey_2

Thanks LHB, I will give DLA a ring next week when the kids are back at school. It'll be easier when they are not here!!

I never thought of asking at Tesco, I usually go shopping when the kids are in bed or at school, I feel terrible asking for for the odd trip but isn't this something they should have anyway, not just for me but for other kids too? I'll ask when next down there.

Thanks again.

longhotbath

Hi - hope it goes well.
With the trolley, you might need to get a harness to stop escapes. One of my friends uses a crelling harness, or a high chair or the middle bits of walking reins may be ok.
Best wishes, LHB

allydowd

Ring them now! The sooner you claim the sooner he can be assessed and the sooner you might receive the money. These things can take ages to get sorted.

blue_monkey_2

There is no way he would have any harness on, it is bad enough holding his arm near the road, usually results in him throwing himself to the floor and me having to half drag/half carry him, he cannot bear any sort of restraint and the belt in the car is the best we can get. He can undo the straps on the trolleys. I suppose the only bonus is that he gets stuck now so he cannot escape.... I had him in ther eyesterday, turned to get something from the freezer, turned back and he was gone.

I will get onto it on Monday when peace is restored. Someone called today and asked if DS could go and play - I took him around and explained about his conditions and the dad had not heard he had these - so I just said to call me if he needs to. It is kind of weird, no-one has ever wanted to look after him before as he is such a handful but he has not called me yet. Maybe I should just go with the element of surprise for the future. The house is very quiet without him here though.