DLA very slow decision !

Stroof

In December I had a horrific fall and broke my leg in 8 places. Yes, it did sting a bit. But the surgeons have done a great job and I am on the mend, but anyway, I am faced with many months, maybe a couple of years of trying to get properly fit etc and back to work.

Well I wrote almost straight away to apply for DLA. In order to get home from hospital I had the council move my bedroom downstairs, and they paid for domestic help for a while to get me settled. I still need help a couple of hours a week with basic things, and I was hoping some DLA would help to cover that - I also had any eye on cold weather payments during the cold snap.

Sorry long story, so: I had a series of letters explaining why DLA could not be decided, but the last about 7 weeks ago saying GP reports had been requested (after consultant, op/therapy, medical etc) - and not a thing since.

Is this unusual, have they written me off, lost my file, is it worth chasing them up in this situation ?

chelleybelley

hi yes it normal for them to send this letter out to collate evidence from medical people about your claim, they normally say that it will take upto 12 wks to give you a decision from the moment you requested the claim forms.
i thought tho that you had to have an illness for at least 6 months to claim DLA this may have changed im unsure....someone might be along to correct me on this. good luck tho and i hope u mend soon

[Deleted User]

You need to have had the care and or mobility needs for 3 months before applying and foresee that you will need them for a further 6 months.However i suspect that if the OP only needs help a couple of hours a week with "basic things"that they may not qualify,dla is paid for and only for care and or mobility needs.

healy

chelleybelley wrote: »

hi yes it normal for them to send this letter out to collate evidence from medical people about your claim, they normally say that it will take upto 12 wks to give you a decision from the moment you requested the claim forms.
i thought tho that you had to have an illness for at least 6 months to claim DLA this may have changed im unsure....someone might be along to correct me on this. good luck tho and i hope u mend soon

Qualifying periods
A person must have needed the attention or supervision for at least three months before s/he gets any money. A person can claim as soon as s/he starts needing help, and wait three months before getting benefit, or can wait the three months first and then claim the benefit. Secondly, a person must be likely to continue to need the attention or supervision for at least six months after the date of claim.

MrsA1939

My husband had a stroke last October, and my DIL claimed immediately knowing that it takes about three months before the decision is made