DLA or Blue Badge? Should I?

sfmedusa

The criteria for high rate mobility DLA could do with a little examining here. On the end of the statement about being unable to walk or virtually unable to walk there's a bit that many people forget.

It says 'without severe discomfort'.

So if, like me, you can get from A to B (100 yards apart) but will be sobbing in pain by the time you get there on an average day, then whether you look fine to other people or not you qualify for the mobility component of DLA.

Talk to a CAB bod, someone who will give you unbiased advice and who will fill in the forms to give you the best chance of getting an accurate award based on your circumstances.

Personally, I know I couldn't manage without my blue badge and DLA these days. As has been predicted by my orthopaedic consultant for nearly 20 years now, I'm getting closer and closer to a wheelchair (although I'll be damned if I'm going to end up in one without a bloody good struggle!). He has been advising me to use a walking stick for 15 years now and I've just found one that's long enough for me now I can no longer deny that I need one.

I think it's natural to resist these things (it took me months to bite the bullet and send my driving licence back to the DVLA- many a night spent sobbing over that one) but if your health determines that you would benefit from having the help then there's only so long that you can put off applying before you are sabotaging your own future by refusing to apply.

Take advice and apply- the worst they can say is no.

jackieb

Photo_Stylus wrote: »

People keep telling me to claim DLA & get a blue badge but i struggle on & prefer to keep life normal. She seems to nag me like normal :rotfl:

I have a back problem with nerve damage that affects my toilet needs. Catheter to pee & No.2's give me little notice before i have to go.

What i think in my mind is blue badges are for people who cannot walk more than a few steps & need a wheelchair. I can walk, It can be painful & my back gets stiff if i walk too far but i can. I cannot carry anything as this causes severe pain after even short distances. As little as say 2 loaves of bread.

I can see the point of a blue badge, I could go out more often and dont need to wait until i have done a No.2 & if i need the toilet quickly i can park fairly close to one without worry of getting a ticket.

Anyone care to comment?

I dont qualify for high rate DLA i do get low rate even though they have never seen me.

Could i apply for a blue badge whilst on low rate DLA?

Thanks

I know someone who has one because she has a colostemy bag. If you have problems with your bladder and bowel I think you should get a blue badge. It's what they're for.

My mum also has a blue badge and she's never claimed for DLA. I think she's too old for it anyhow, but I don't think it matters what rate your on, or even if you're on it at all.