New 4 Page DLA Renewal Form( DLA580)

[Deleted User]

Trialia wrote: »

What's wrong with the long forms? They're exhausting, that's what. And it's all about what you can't do, which when there's as much as there is with me, for example, is really depressing, which is a very bad thing in my condition. I have to go into minute detail with everything because if I don't, they write me off as not in need of help. Last time I had to fill them out I had someone from the Pension Service help me and it took two of us three hours without a break...

I`ve always thought that to do the 39 page application forms justice you need to spend at least 3 to 4 hours on them.

TOBRUK

woodbine wrote: »

I`ve always thought that to do the 39 page application forms justice you need to spend at least 3 to 4 hours on them.

3 to 4 hours ... I spend 3 to 4 days! ha! I know it's a long form but surely better than 4 page form - I can't see how they can make a decision on 4 pages. I am quite surprised that they would accept 'no change in circumstances' considering the detail you need to go into in the 39 page form.

Saying that, I filled in the 39 page form early October and awaiting a decision which is pretty stressful.

seven-day-weekend

My husband always spends a couple of days on the IB50 (for Incapacity Benefit) which is not as long as the DLA form.

3-4 hours I actually think is very good!

seven-day-weekend

Trialia wrote: »

What's wrong with the long forms? They're exhausting, that's what. And it's all about what you can't do, which when there's as much as there is with me, for example, is really depressing, which is a very bad thing in my condition. I have to go into minute detail with everything because if I don't, they write me off as not in need of help. Last time I had to fill them out I had someone from the Pension Service help me and it took two of us three hours without a break...

I understand and sympathise that you find it distressing.

However, three hours I don't actually think is too bad when you consider that you have to be able to show a DWP decision maker how your condition affects you and what help you need, and why.

I really don't think that for most conditions a 'same as last time' answer is informative enough.

Trialia

I don't think you quite understand. I suffer from chronic fatigue and rapid-cycling bipolar disorder - and when I say rapid-cycling I mean I can be giggling at 2pm and suicidal at 3 without any precipitating event. These forms only make that worse, and the three-hour statement was with help. By myself I didn't get it done for six months because I couldn't face it all at once, and every time I tried it again my medications had changed yet again and I had to alter things. I didn't have room to do that.

seven-day-weekend

I wasn't criticising you in any way, in fact I was sympathising. I understand that because of your condition you find the forms difficult.

However, the DWP have to know what help you need and how your condition affects you before they can award you the DLA. I don't see how they can know that unless you fill the form in and tell them. You said in your post above that your condition alters, (even if only because of medication), so you can't just say 'same as last time'.

I'm glad that you were able to get help to fill it in and that it only took three hours. As you say, it could have taken months.

Trialia

I know... I'm just saying that 39 pages is huge, and having to repeat things over and over is more the part they should trim down - I never did understand why all the sections go to different departments!

Fantabulous

woodbine wrote: »

heres the link
http://www.rightsnet.org.uk/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=100&topic_id=7300&mesg_id=7300&page==

plus an update the new 4 page dla580 forms are being trialled in the following areas:greater manchester,east lancs and north east.

I am in the North East and had to complete the full form.

Danni

I've just received the 4 page form. In a way I'm grateful for not having to fill in the long form (it felt like I was repeating myself a zillion times on there) but at the same time, this one confuses me. I will have to get someone to go through it with me, as my brain doesn't understand it.

[Deleted User]

Trialia wrote: »

I know... I'm just saying that 39 pages is huge, and having to repeat things over and over is more the part they should trim down - I never did understand why all the sections go to different departments!

Whilst the 39 page form is long and involved,when you look at it fully many of the pages dont affect everybody and some are about basic things like other benefits/bank details etc etc