Suggestion for sub board

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I know that benefits queries are very important for people, but, to be honest, I rather be able to look at benefits queries when I want/need to, and see other disability related subjects kept separate.

If I'm wrong, I humbly apologise, but perhaps there could be a thread at the top with a list of things that could be claimed/entitlements, like a 'so you're disabled. What now?' type thing. Like DLA, premiums on IS from national government, then on the main board details of non financial help - freedom passes, blue badges, disabled facilities grants, occupational therapy assessments, how to get a social housing transfer due to the disability, legal rights regarding social housing, etc.

Anyone agree, or am I in the minority?

jmabnc

Jojo, I think you have a very good idea there,it sure would be a little easier to have everything in the same place,great idea,sorry for going fo topic,I was also thinking of a sub board just for children,they are in need of help to. Jojo first class idea,I really hope MSE will think about it.

Ames

But there already is a benefits board. Maybe there should be a sticky pointing out that that's the one for benefits etc, and this one is for discussion of the disabilities and other issues relating to them?

SailorSam

Yes that sounds like a good idea.
Some people may think we'd end up with too many boards if we kept on splitting them , but if it helps you find a topic quicker itmust be a good thing.
When i first got my computer i 'bookmarked' all sorts of sites, and it's only now i realise the benefits of using tabs as i go go back to sort a jumbled list.
So splitting a Board seems to me the same as using a tab.

Prinzessilein

I think the idea is a good one....but would not want Disability Benefits merged with other Benefits.

I fisrt came onto MSE after googling for a forum where I could get DLA advice/support. It has been a real comfort and help to me to know that people on this forum understand the minefield that is DLA and can support others coping not only with disabilities, but with claiming the benefits they are entitled to. I think the mutual support would be lost if all Benefit threads were on one forum.

The advantage would be that people looking for help with Disability Benefits could find the help/support quicker in there was a dedicated forum for this.

Paparika

I was thinking the same the other day when i found out that whilst i have been on half pay (ssp) i could of been on income support (single mum) i didn't know that i might have lost out on 2 moths benefit to help me out.

i wouldn't want it merged as its complicated as it is...

Children one is great too

maybe a few, we have a fibro one, what about other illnesses?

dmg24

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I think the idea is a good one....but would not want Disability Benefits merged with other Benefits.

I fisrt came onto MSE after googling for a forum where I could get DLA advice/support. It has been a real comfort and help to me to know that people on this forum understand the minefield that is DLA and can support others coping not only with disabilities, but with claiming the benefits they are entitled to. I think the mutual support would be lost if all Benefit threads were on one forum.

The advantage would be that people looking for help with Disability Benefits could find the help/support quicker in there was a dedicated forum for this.

You misunderstand the purpose of the Disability board Prinzessilein, it was never intended to cover any benefits, as per Martin.

As Ames has mentioned, there is already a Benefits board. This covers all benefits.

Ames, MSE Andrea said she would do exactly what you suggested ... but never has!

dmg24

Benefits Board

Prinzessilein

However, Ames stated - quite rightly - that this board should be for ' discussion of the disabilities and other issues relating to them'....surely the huge problem people with disability have in claiming their legal entitlements comes under this?

If someone with a disabilty posted on the generic Benefits Board, they would not receive the specialist support given over here. People looking at the Benefits Board will not necessarily be able to support and advise as effectively as those on this Board where people have experience of both disabiilty and benefit claims.

By all means have a separate board for Disability Benefits. But please don't merge with 'Benefits'.

soolin

This is not a board with a very high thread count so threads are not likely to be lost to a second or third page too quickly and I'm not sure whether a sub board that will cover things already on the benefits board will be necessary.

However, there is never any harm in sending an email to the main team to put it forward as a suggestion for the future.

dmg24

Prinzessilein wrote: »

If someone with a disabilty posted on the generic Benefits Board, they would not receive the specialist support given over here. People looking at the Benefits Board will not necessarily be able to support and advise as effectively as those on this Board where people have experience of both disabiilty and benefit claims.

Sorry, but that is absolute rubbish. You will find that the Benefits board is frequented by both long term claimants of disability benefits, and those that work in this area. The true expertise is actually on the Benefits board, whereas although you will find support on the Disability board, the great majority of advice is anecdotal, as opposed to factual.

I would invite you to spend time on the Benefits board, when you will find that your above comment is wholly misguided.

I have posted a link to this thread on the Benefits board, to welcome input from there.