Can DLA be claimed for stress?

DEBTMONKEY1A

Hi,

I was working up until November last year (but from April-November I was claiming SSP for stress) but left in November as my employer would not arrange flexible working for me. I look after my partner who has mental health issues (she receives DLA mid care low mobility).

Last time I went to the Docs was in October to review my stress/issue a sick note for the SSP. I have not been back since.

My partner is working part time & gets some WTC & I get carers allowence as well.

For the last 6 months or so my stress levels have been high due to looking after my partner & I'm also moderately depressed as well (although I have not seen the GP about this). My confidence is very low at the moment & until my partner is 100% again (ie no episodes for at least a year & is off meds) I think I'll stay like this. I was referred for counselling in December for the stress by the Doctor to a group called 'support to recovery' & also through the carers support service.

Now before anyone 'shoots me down' I just want to know if I'm eligable & if it's worth applying. I DO NOT want to spend the rest of my life on benefits but feel that DLA would certainly lift the burden financially.

I read somewhere that you would automatically get the lower rate if you fail the 'cooking test'...well just skipping through that I've not prepared a 'cooked meal' for AGES...I need to look after G/F to so I'm afraid it's been ready meals, beans on toast etc...

Does anyone have any ideas?

Indie_Kid

DLA is based on care / mobility needs you have. The cooking test is more about safety and following instructions than your ability to cook a meal.

karenx

So your partner works but you look after her?
I think it would be ESA you would apply for not DLA

mrcow

DEBTMONKEY1A wrote: »

I read somewhere that you would automatically get the lower rate if you fail the 'cooking test'...well just skipping through that I've not prepared a 'cooked meal' for AGES...I need to look after G/F to so I'm afraid it's been ready meals, beans on toast etc...

Beans on toast is a meal.

If you can cook beans then you can boil vegetables.

Indie_Kid

mrcow wrote: »

Beans on toast is a meal.

If you can cook beans then you can boil vegetables.

When DWP say meal they mean things like peeling potatoes, boiling a pan of water, putting something in the oven, (like meat) etc.

mrcow

sh1305 wrote: »

When DWP say meal they mean things like peeling potatoes, boiling a pan of water, putting something in the oven, (like meat) etc.

The OP isn't physically prohibited from putting something in an oven.

The fact that they have been cooking meals for their partner and themselves shows that.

DEBTMONKEY1A

Can't get ESA-it's means tested. Did the 5 minute check up thingy on here.

DX2

Was only a matter of time.

Jowo_2

As per the earlier poster, the cooking test is about whether someone has problems that prevent them preparing a cooked main meal such as opening a tin, holding a heavy pan, operating the knobs on a cooker or problems bending to open the door, for example. It's about physical or mental disablement that prevents a main cooked meal..

The test is premised on a person cooking fresh food on a cooker. What mental or physical constraints do you have that would actually prevent you from undertaking this if you wish to provide less snacks or stop using ready meals?

Here's some info here

http://www.disabilityalliance.org/dlalaw.htm#Cooking

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/dlanotes/cookery.asp

CHARDONNAY_3

I don't understand how someone could get DLA for stress - that sounds crazy. Everyone gets stressed from time to time, some more than others but I thought DLA was for people with very serious illnesses & disabilities.

Both of my parents had cancer at a similar time, did not claim DLA, my mum looked after my dad as she reacted better to the treatment, whereas my dad had lung cancer & had very limited mobility. My mum went out to work part time, cleaned the house & managed to cook a proper dinner most nights.

If your gf can manage a pt job whilst having mental health issues, I'm sure you could manage to work too. What do you do at the min when she is out at work?

A job could help to alleviate some of your depression & help boost your confidence.

There are too forms of stress, 1 caused by burn-out but another caused by boredom.

And before you accuse me of 'shooting you down' That isn't what I'm doing, as I too suffer with depression and anxiety & am currently in receipt of JSA, but I truly think sickness benefits should be there for those who truly need them, not for others to take advantage of because they can't be bothered to cook a meal.

DEBTMONKEY1A

'Was only a matter of time.' Very helpfull DX2. Please explain?

I was just asking for opinions that was all....DX2 if you are referring to previous posts asking for help re: my G/F then ulness you have had to deal with someone close to you having a psychotic episode & being sectioned then please stop posting crap one-liners!