Budget - tougher for DLA claimants

[Deleted User]

candykisses wrote: »

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.

I copied the above text from a previous post on this forum; I listened to the radio broadcast phone in and it did indeed say the above - has anyone else had any more information to back this up?

From the budget.......

1.103 The Government will reform the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to ensure support is targeted on those with the highest medical need. The Government will introduce the use of objective medical assessments for all DLA claimants from 2013-14 to ensure payments are only made for as long as a claimant needs them.



No mention of working age or missing out children or pensioners. Kids are the most likely to be able to adapt to disability anyway. Obviously excluding some with severe and life long conditions, hence the medical.


ETA and this from direct.gov

New medical test to claim Disability Living Allowance

The government will introduce a medical test to claim Disability Living Allowance from 2013. You’ll have to take the test whether you’re a new or existing claimant. The test will replace the current application forms.

lilykim

I have only "skimmed" through this discussion. I have a close family member who has two chronic (life long) illnesses and is in receipt of Incapacity Benefit. The stress of medicals, and once going through the appeals system at a tribunal, has been horrendous. How would any young girl in her early twenties, like having to explain her bowl habits to two complete male strangers? I think doctors statements, a statement from the claimee and a government medical should all contribute to a claim. I also think that comments from close family members and/or people who care for the claimee should also get a say. A bit long winded I know. Would welcome your thoughts.

I also know a person who's been cheating the system for years (despite being reported to the "cheat" hotline"). I am waiting to see how he gets away with it now the system has changed.

easy

As a long-term recipient of DLA (who also works), these proposals don't worry me at all.

I know that I am entitled to my DLA benefits, I know that any medical test I take will confirm that I am entitled to them. So what is to be frightened of?

Those people who are screaming about having to be assessed by a medical professional are, to my mind, only worried because they are frightened of being 'found out'.

easy

candykisses wrote: »

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.

I copied the above text from a previous post on this forum; I listened to the radio broadcast phone in and it did indeed say the above - has anyone else had any more information to back this up?

I would assume that the govt will begin by assessing those of working age first (given the huge numbers of claiments involved) as it makes most sense to review the benefits of those who are possibly more able to support themselves, as a priority.

Indie_Kid

lilykim wrote: »

How would any young girl in her early twenties, like having to explain her bowl habits to two complete male strangers?

I had to do this at my tribunal. It really was degrading. They then suggested that all my problems would be solved if I wore a nappy! That would mean more help; as I wouldn't be able to change it myself. (I'm visually impaired)

Those people who are screaming about having to be assessed by a medical professional are, to my mind, only worried because they are frightened of being 'found out'.

"found out" about what? Most of the things people have problems with, probably can't be proved with a medical.

easy

sh1305 wrote: »

"found out" about what? Most of the things people have problems with, probably can't be proved with a medical.

I don't understand why not.

I have mobility problems, because I have a congential malformation of my joints and muscles. It is obvious that I can't walk far, can't carry anything when I'm walking, and it's provable that my balance is very poor, so I can't manage without help in the dark.

Someone who has problems because they are visually impaired can undergo tests to prove their visual impairment.

Someone who has incontinence problems will have a medical history to prove it, as will someone who has mental health problems sooo severe that they need help with getting through day-to-day living.

I don't know anyone who is entitled to DLA, who's condition doesn't have roots in a medical condition. Where is the problem with a medical assessment?

BTW I had to have a medical assessment when I first applied (it was called mobility allowance in those days). To me it was a much more efficient system than the current method (which I had to use when my situation worsened 6 years ago). The huge forms are very confusing for many people, and far too open to mis-interpretation by the bods who read them and make the awards, which is why so many applicants have to go through appeals, which are much more costly and stressful, in my opinion.

Indie_Kid

easy wrote: »

Someone who has problems because they are visually impaired can undergo tests to prove their visual impairment.

This doesn't prove the difficulties they have though. All visual tests prove is how much vision (including visual field) someone has. Can you honestly tell me that also proves things like difficulties with dressing and showering?

All medical tests prove is that someone has a diagnosis - not that they have needs too.

Doom_and_Gloom

easy wrote: »

Those people who are screaming about having to be assessed by a medical professional are, to my mind, only worried because they are frightened of being 'found out'.

I have no fear of being 'found out' as you put it. However personally I do worry that they won't have people assesing that know about my conditions as they are rather rare. I have to go to London to see specialists and for my conditions they are the only place I can go to in the SE and London area. Even then there is only so much that can be done. I have gone through many tests, talked to loads of doctors, had physio - the lot. For people like me why can't the specialists reports be used instead? Why do we need medicals even after all the tests we have already done which would be a much more in depth description of what our condition is and how it effects us? It would also cost less to use information already collected.

easy

sh1305 wrote: »

This doesn't prove the difficulties they have though. All visual tests prove is how much vision (including visual field) someone has. Can you honestly tell me that also proves things like difficulties with dressing and showering?

All medical tests prove is that someone has a diagnosis - not that they have needs too.

But I think we ALL realise that someone who is unable to see is going to have problems with such issues (even medical professionals), and will then take that into account. In fact, in my experience, folk in the medical profession tend to under-estimate what a disabled person is actually able to do.

The current system basically allows the claimant to say "I can't do this", but never explores with them what may help.

easy

Doom_and_Gloom wrote: »

I have no fear of being 'found out' as you put it. However personally I do worry that they won't have people assesing that know about my conditions as they are rather rare. I have to go to London to see specialists and for my conditions they are the only place I can go to in the SE and London area. Even then there is only so much that can be done. I have gone through many tests, talked to loads of doctors, had physio - the lot. For people like me why can't the specialists reports be used instead? Why do we need medicals even after all the tests we have already done which would be a much more in depth description of what our condition is and how it effects us? It would also cost less to use information already collected.

Look, as yet we don't even know exactly what form the assessment will take (it doesn't even come in until 2013 anyway). I expect they will be looking at medical history, as well as what you say or do in a single meeting.

And it is bound to have an appeals process.