Daughters recent diagnosis

Oldernotwiser

sleepymy wrote: »

I've never seen any government guidelines to state what DLA should be used for, only application criteria.

Sorry, you misunderstood me. I wasn't suggesting that there were any specific guidelines or rules on this, just that the reasoning behind awarding DLA to people with disabilities is because of their additional expenses.

From the DWP website "DLA helps with some of the additional costs arising from disability." Surely extra heating is an "additional cost"?

sleepymy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry, you misunderstood me. I wasn't suggesting that there were any specific guidelines or rules on this, just that the reasoning behind awarding DLA to people with disabilities is because of their additional expenses.

Who's reasoning? Extra expenses could cover just about anything surely, depending on the condition, the type of house they live in etc. DLA isn't interested if a person can't do their housework, does that mean it shouldn't be spent on a cleaner?

I'm just asking because I see plenty of people insisting what DLA should be used for but never seen anyone link to any sort of government guidelines. Or are people just stating what they think it should be spent on?

sleepymy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Sorry, you misunderstood me. I wasn't suggesting that there were any specific guidelines or rules on this, just that the reasoning behind awarding DLA to people with disabilities is because of their additional expenses.

From the DWP website "DLA helps with some of the additional costs arising from disability." Surely extra heating is an "additional cost"?

You edited while I was typing. What if DLA doesn't cover all the expenses? Surely people are entitled to make use from discounts just like everyone else (or it that not what you mean and I've read it all wrong? )

Oldernotwiser

sleepymy wrote: »

Who's reasoning? Extra expenses could cover just about anything surely, depending on the condition, the type of house they live in etc. DLA isn't interested if a person can't do their housework, does that mean it shouldn't be spent on a cleaner?

I'm just asking because I see plenty of people insisting what DLA should be used for but never seen anyone link to any sort of government guidelines. Or are people just stating what they think it should be spent on?

Oh well, at least I've posted a clear link for my views. As you say it can be used for anything that's required, which, in this case, seems to be extra heating.

sleepymy

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Oh well, at least I've posted a clear link for my views. As you say it can be used for anything that's required, which, in this case, seems to be extra heating.

Don't you think that "DLA helps with some of the additional costs arising from disability." can be seen as an ambiguous statement though? It still doesn't state that it is what DLA should be for IYKWIM

Oldernotwiser

sleepymy wrote: »

Don't you think that "DLA helps with some of the additional costs arising from disability." can be seen as an ambiguous statement though? It still doesn't state that it is what DLA should be for IYKWIM

I can see that DLA doesn't cover all the extra costs involved and I know that there's no check on what it's used for. However, I would feel morally bound to spend it on this sort of thing though, just as I think that people should spend their Child Benefit on their children's needs.

MadMonkey

Hi - I have Crohn's disease and also work for NACC - they do have a telephone advice line which operates evenings and weekends and also have a group called Smilies which is just for young people and their carers.

Nacc also have a DLA claim helpline which is very useful.

If you have joined NACC all the numbers will be on the info you were sent if not then the website has links to it all.

I use this website : http://www.crohnsforum.com/

NACC also have a hardship grant fund if you need help.

Also you can get your water bills capped if you are on a meter at £30 a month - this only helps if you would pay more than £30 as your rateable value. There is no discount if you are on standard rateable payments but it may be worth switching to a meter.

You can apply for a radar key for disabled toilets from your local council and you may get a blue badge for incontinence issues.

If you would like any more info please pm me - i have had Crohn' for 8 years so know how tough it is.

lin_c_2

You could ask for help for your daughter from here http://www.familyfund.org.uk/