DLA form support?

Jenna

Hey,

I have M.E. as some of you already know.

I am in the process of filling in my forms to re-apply for DLA (my current award runs out very soon). I am cutting the deadline fine (in fact I may already have left it too late to avoid a gap in payments) because I have been too sick to face the forms most days.

I am going to have another look at the forms right now but I wondered if anyone is about to "hold my hand" as it was?

I know it's pathetic but I find them really upsetting and I don't know if I feel comfortable asking a friend for help because I don't normally talk a lot about how my M.E. affects me so I would just get embarassed telling them about it ... a good friend has offered to help me with them and help me write it down but I don't know!

xx

CJ

Hi Jenna
I have ME too and applied for DLA for the first time . I was supposed to have it back by 22 nd Jan but it didn't get there until 30th. I received my award letter on Wed and have been successful. I don't know if this was luck because I know it is often the case that we fail and have to go to appeal. I went to CAB for help just because like you I didn't feel confident but she said I didn't really need her. If you think there is anything I can do email me. They can help you over the phone at CAB for as many occasions as it takes

Jenna

Hey CJ,

I have joined a website called Benefits & Work which has some advice about filling in the form / what the questions mean etc (I get very confused easily so this "step by step" stuff really helps me). I may try the CAB too (I didn't know they can help over the phone!) but to be fair I've filled in 2 forms before so I know how to do it...

I am just scared of being rejected and/or sounding like I'm whining. I almost never talk about my health and just manage as best I can. My OH (we live together) knows about it of course and helps me with lots of stuff but we don't really talk much about it as I just find it embarassing!

I hate having to list all the problems I have with X & Y activities in detail ... it's depressing and I just feel pathetic and like I'm whingeing.

How can I be accurate and detailed without sounding weak?!

sheeps68

This may help you to feel "less weak" I often helped people to fill in the forms for DLA as part of my work. However when it came to filling in my forms for myself I needed help. Its so hard to be real when its you and not exageragate or under represent yourself. I had help from the the welfare rights lady at the hospital to get the right balance but also I got support to do it. Had we of ended up at tribunal she'd have supported there too! Good luck but do seek support.

Jenna

Thanks Sheeps ... I am the sort of person who is inclined to say "I'm fine" no matter what so this is certainly a learning curve for me! Thanks for your reply xx

Millburn_farm

Hiya Jenna

I have ME too; I get DLA indefinitely and had just (about 6 weeks ago) got Incapaity for 5 yrs; and the forms are hell (((hug)))

I always get help from my local version of the CAB, and with my Incap I also got help from friends with ME online

The biggest trick I know is to step back; and be what none of us with ME are; HONEST about how ill we really are; actually that was my Dr's advice too; after wagging a finger at me and telling me he believed I was too ill to work.

You aren't winging; the only way to cope with Chronic illness of any type is to "ignore" it, not own up and forget what being normal is; i.e. holidays, a bit of DIY, trips out shopping, a walk in the park or with the recent weather just going sledging because.......

jenhug

do you have photocopies of your last form? If so, I would use that as a staring point, I would also phone them, explain you have been ill but you are doing it.

OSFA

Hi all
I am an ME sufferer and have been for years. I have won two tribunals for DLA.
I am on low rate DLA but I have just asked for another form so I can apply again and hopefully get the middle rate so I then can get Income support.

For those of you with ME and are filling out these horrible forms then please make sure....
1/ You put down that.... you don't have good days. You only have bad and worse days.
2/You need help when dressing,washing,cooking etc.
3/You never go outdoors unless accompanied.
Most of all make sure you overdo the info. Make it sound as though you're on your last legs. It will only help you with your claim.
Good luck to all those trying to get DLA or whatever benefit. DON'T GIVE UP!
(Again feel free to pm me if needed).

Trasthmatic

OSFA wrote: »

Hi all
I am an ME sufferer and have been for years. I have won two tribunals for DLA.
I am on low rate DLA but I have just asked for another form so I can apply again and hopefully get the middle rate so I then can get Income support.

For those of you with ME and are filling out these horrible forms then please make sure....
1/ You put down that.... you don't have good days. You only have bad and worse days.
2/You need help when dressing,washing,cooking etc.
3/You never go outdoors unless accompanied.
Most of all make sure you overdo the info. Make it sound as though you're on your last legs. It will only help you with your claim.
Good luck to all those trying to get DLA or whatever benefit. DON'T GIVE UP!
(Again feel free to pm me if needed).

Actually the reason that you have to keep going to tribunal is probably cos you keep over stating your needs. You should only write down the needs you have. If you over state and then medical evidence obtained doesn't back your statements you'll do your claim more harm than good.
Dont forget that when you sign the claim pack you are stating that everything you have written is the truth and if you are found to have not told the truth you can be prosecuted for fraud.
Also trying to get middle rate care for the purpose of obtaining another benefit is not valid grounds for a supersession and they could refuse at look at it. A supersession should only be requested for a change of circumstances, ie getting worse, getting better etc.

Chinny6

OSFA wrote: »

Hi all
I am an ME sufferer and have been for years. I have won two tribunals for DLA.
I am on low rate DLA but I have just asked for another form so I can apply again and hopefully get the middle rate so I then can get Income support.

For those of you with ME and are filling out these horrible forms then please make sure....
1/ You put down that.... you don't have good days. You only have bad and worse days.
2/You need help when dressing,washing,cooking etc.
3/You never go outdoors unless accompanied.
Most of all make sure you overdo the info. Make it sound as though you're on your last legs. It will only help you with your claim.

That is truly shocking advice.

emilyt

OSFA wrote: »

Hi all
I am an ME sufferer and have been for years. I have won two tribunals for DLA.
I am on low rate DLA but I have just asked for another form so I can apply again and hopefully get the middle rate so I then can get Income support.

For those of you with ME and are filling out these horrible forms then please make sure....
1/ You put down that.... you don't have good days. You only have bad and worse days.
2/You need help when dressing,washing,cooking etc.
3/You never go outdoors unless accompanied.
Most of all make sure you overdo the info. Make it sound as though you're on your last legs. It will only help you with your claim.
Good luck to all those trying to get DLA or whatever benefit. DON'T GIVE UP!
(Again feel free to pm me if needed).

I am almost lost for words :eek: .
Such terribly wrong advice :mad: