Budget - tougher for DLA claimants

merlin68

I am getting worried about this now, what does highest medical need mean? I have Di george syndrome, asthma, stage 3 copd, ostoarthiritis, scoliosis, costochondritis and collapsing knees, also IBS pcos and depression and panic attacks any need to worry?

krisskross

merlin68 wrote: »

I am getting worried about this now, what does highest medical need mean? I have Di george syndrome, asthma, stage 3 copd, ostoarthiritis, scoliosis, costochondritis and collapsing knees, also IBS pcos and depression and panic attacks any need to worry?

You could have a thousand and one different ailments and still not qualify for DLA. It is the impact on and difficulty with your daily life that is important.

Oldernotwiser

daska wrote: »

To suggest that someone can address any cause/s which are within their control and not make assumptions about the impact working might have on their condition is a very fair comment. Very different from

I don't think so - for me the two are connected.

Indie_Kid

krisskross wrote: »

You could have a thousand and one different ailments and still not qualify for DLA. It is the impact on and difficulty with your daily life that is important.

I think this is what people forget - they think that because they have a disability, they should be entitled to DLA.

peediedj

ladyabosso wrote: »

I have read the test will apply to those of working age so if you're past retirement age, you may get away with not being newly assessed.

my son is 13,been on dla since he was 7,is due to get assesed again at 18,when medicals come round he,ll be 16,so is this classed as working age?

Flibertigibit

On MoneyBox Live this afternoon (Radio 4) it was stated quite clearly that yes, only DLA claimants "of working age" will need to be reassessed, which obviously helps the older people and children if true. However, this makes it clear that the aim of this measure is to reduce the number of people who get DLA but also work or to get people who get DLA and don't work back into work. BUT this thinking is flawed because it's fine to get DLA and work - in fact for many people the DLA helps them go to work and not have to rely on IB as well. People do get confused between the two, and I know people who were quite shocked to discover that I got DLA and still worked, as if I were some benefit fraudster. To get back to the budget though - if more people get turned down for DLA or their award is reduced that won't mean that they will be any more likely or any more able to work if they don't already. I really don't see what is going to be gained by this extremely costly to implement measure.

Oh and while everyone's taking a pop at people with MH difficulties who get DLA, I only found out a couple of years ago that many morbidly obese people claim successfully - like if you're too fat to get out of your armchair, or look after your personal hygiene, or need adaptations to help you get around, or can't get to the shops to buy more food etc you might be able to get DLA for both care and mobility!!!!!! I think that's pretty shocking and I've got quite a serious weight problem which I take personal responsibility for.

Bryando

Read some posts that folk appear to think that people with mental health issues ie Depression should not get DLA. I hear voices, sometimes telling me to kill myself or others. I also was trying to kill myself a lot! A few other things effect me.

My problem/worry re the medical is this. I get found fit by people whom don't know me. Even my GP etc hardly know anything, my situation the little the better! Or it is a cell for the night or section. So somebody asking me, how do you feel. My response could mean, police or hospital. Thats the worse case. The point I make is , people like me with voices on DLA are going to find it stressing. As a result, voices increase and possiable danger to themselves.

Bryando

I get high rate Care and low mobilty. Love to be off DLA and Income Support!! I'm only 25, however the way things can be is......

Many a dicussion on here, whether to take myself of DLA.

karatedragon

One thing that people seem to overlook is that if you are disabled and can do some work you can get DLA. DLA is for your care and mobility needs. It is not an out of work sick benefit.

But if you do get DLA it entitles the disabled person to Disabled Working Tax Credits. Provided the person works 16 hours or more a week.

These can be a significant boost to someone's income. I think the claim of DLA is used as a certification to HMRC that you are disabled.

I would think it's better that "disabled" people who can work part time continue to get these tax credits even if they find they cannot get DLA come medical time. There are bound to be people who are disabled but capable of some work.

Perhaps using an ATOS doctor stating that tax credits in work apply or by using evidence from GP/Specialists or combination of the two.

Bryando

DLA is not a gate to Disabled Tax Credits. Have looked in to this as I thought it was the case. Have to meet the disadvantge test. I assume that means them talking to your Doctor .