DLA for the first time?

HellsGranny

Hi All,

I'm 61, and it was recently remarked by a disbled person that they were surprised I wasn't on DLA. (they saw me staggering around on my walking stick!).

I do have an auto-immune condition which is worsening, but had never even thought about DLA. How does one go about it, please?

Cheers, HG

sleepless_saver

Phone the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 for an application form, make an appointmnt with local CAB for help filling it in, and meantime keep a diary of the things you find difficult and/or painful to do because of your disabilities (especially things like washing, dressing, cooking) and take this with you to your appointment.

People can often be turned down first time, but be successful if they appeal so it's worth appealing if you don't get it.

Prinzessilein

The forms can be a nightmare to fill in....so get help from CAB or DIAL.

Be honest about your difficulties.

(DIAL were fantastic, completing the form and dealing with every stage of my eventually succcesful appeal!)

Bryando

I found that when the local DLA office phoned me to go through the form very helpful. I think it is in the form the number. Arrange a phone time/date and they go through it with you.

Is a nightmare, esp when you flick through it.

jobbingmusician

I endorse this. Get help with the form completion from the CAB or a Welfare Benefits Adviser if you possibly can. This is even if you have a PhD in English Literature - the forms use their own language, and the assessors who read them seem to have their own rules about what various phrases actually mean.

If you really can't find an adviser, two rules are given below.

1. Answer all questions based on your WORST DAY(S).
2. Expect to be turned down and to have to appeal.

(And don't forget to apply for a blue badge once you get your award. Even if you don't drive, as it can be used by people who drive you - although only when they are driving you, obviously).

PS And don't delay, since from my hazy memory of benefit rules, you can't be awarded the highest rate of DLA once you pass 65 - something like that, anyway.....

Indie_Kid

jobbingmusician wrote: »

1. Answer all questions based on your WORST DAY(S).

This is fraud. By doing this, you're saying that you need more help than you actually do.

It'll be fairly obvious if you do the form on your worst day.

healy

jobbingmusician wrote: »

I endorse this. Get help with the form completion from the CAB or a Welfare Benefits Adviser if you possibly can. This is even if you have a PhD in English Literature - the forms use their own language, and the assessors who read them seem to have their own rules about what various phrases actually mean.

If you really can't find an adviser, two rules are given below.

1. Answer all questions based on your WORST DAY(S).
2. Expect to be turned down and to have to appeal.

(And don't forget to apply for a blue badge once you get your award. Even if you don't drive, as it can be used by people who drive you - although only when they are driving you, obviously).

PS And don't delay, since from my hazy memory of benefit rules, you can't be awarded the highest rate of DLA once you pass 65 - something like that, anyway.....

You should not answer the questions based on your worst days.

The questions should be answered on a typical or average day.

If you answer the questions on your worst days and these are not typical days you will get into serious trouble if investigated. Only very recently I have read of someone being taken to court for fraud where they had been advised to answer the questions based on their worst days.

Bryando

I answered what my voices could lead to say to me. Things that have happened. At times having to get meds giving to me. Sometimes help cook due to knifes. However not always. Still can cook a good dinner lol. Maybe at times having somebody awake to prevent me going out into the streets. Phone police or that if I get voices commanding me to do things.
However there is times when I go. high care, maybe I have laid it on to think. Yet any time I'm at a CPN or dentist there is always two in the room or re dentist three. That I can't understand

Indie_Kid

Bryando wrote: »

Still can cook a good dinner lol.

This is irrelevant. You just need to prove that as a result of your disability/disabilities, you'd need supervision or another form of help.

I am capable of cooking a meal; but burn myself almost every time I attempt to do so.

Bryando

Yes for a while I'm fine. Thats what I mean with me I've worked out I think i'm 'unpredictable'. Feel great just now. However who knows in hour, thats the whole link to employment thing. I could go weeks fine, do the lot myself. Then bang, that it. A day/night or days.

kingfisherblue

I would agree with putting the details about typical or average days. If this is difficult to do, put 'On bad days...' and 'On better days...' and show the differences.