Help (But no arguments please!)

f1widow

Hi I posted a request for help with form filling and ended up being moved into the middle of an argument over whether people should get help or not!!! None of which I found helpful or necessary
So will try again as some people had tried to help but when my post was moved replies were deleted.... to those that had tried helping thanks.

Two years ago had help from Welfare Rights filling in my form (anyone who lives under the umbrella of a "mental illness" will know that the form in some places is not all that easy to explain from physical and mental illness - I have just been told that welfare rights can no longer help as their criteria due to funding has changed and as the only details they took from me were our household income can only assume that this was the reason ...... (income has not gone up in two years though????)

Have tried MIND, no response from CAB (as yet awaiting call back - although I seem to remember that is why I ended up at welfare rights before as CAB could not help) - I understand that there are organisations that will help for a fee but quite honestly I cant afford to pay (must point out Im not knocking them for charging) - we have been in debt since I had to leave my full time job through ill health - sell house etc and we are trying to get out of debt so subscriptions (however worthy are just not possible)

Another point to make as asked by a previous reply - my illness is no better in fact worse since 2 years ago - I have asked Welfare rights for a copy of my form (person took form with them to office to copy and keep on file) they have no record of my file - should they still have it??????

Anyway anyone who is in a similar situation or knows of help - your input is greatly appreciated - thanks
And before anyone moves a post just think is it being moved to a valid place

Robbie64

Which form? Is it a DLA renewal?

f1widow

Without sounding dim I thought (and have been asked previously) is it for renewal) that it was a renewal but seems as though my claim has come to an end and i have to re-apply ?????? was awarded it from June 08 to Sept 2010 - it is form DLA1A Nov 2009

Robbie64

It's a renewal but it's treated like a new claim. You need to get the renewal in quick as it takes about 8 to 12 weeks on average to process which doesn't give the DWP that long to assess your application prior to it running out. If it isn't assessed by whichever date in September then it will stop until a new decision is made.

My suggestions are:

1. you phone DLA and ask for a copy of your last application. DLA unit can get this for you from their archive store but this will take about 2 to 3 weeks to arrive

2. Have a look at the following website and see if there is a DIAL organisation near you as they can often help complete DLA forms by you visiting their office or they can sometimes visit you

http://www.dialuk.info/

3. if all else fails you can (or at least could until recently) get the DWP to help you complete the forms, either by home visit (a very rare occurrence) or by telephone appointment. When the form is completed over the phone it is sent to you to sign and date. This option is not the best really but it's better than nothing if you feel you would struggle to complete the form.

dmg24

What is it that you need help with? If you answer the questions fully and honestly, and explain how often you experience each of the needs that you require, you should be able to do it yourself.

People seem to think there are some hidden rules behind the forms, there are not.

Robbie64

At least I presume it's a renewal - are you still actually receiving DLA?

Quiet_Life

f1widow
I have PM'd you

dmg24

Quiet_Life wrote: »

f1widow
I have PM'd you

Can you not share your information with the rest of us?

f1widow

Yes I am still receiving DLA at present time

In answer to dmg24 (and I really dont want an argument or debate) I can say fully what and how my illness affects me - I dont think there is anything hidden in the form at all BUT i find that not all the questions dont exactly relate to a mental illness but in someway are relevant - the questions are often phrased in a "physical pain" type way - those people who have filled a DLA form in for mental health purposes will know - and if it is of any consequence when I did seek the help of welfare rights THEY were the ones that pointed out that the form was not the easiest to fill in if you had a MH problem as it does not appear relevant - I dont want someone to answer for me or put words in my mouth I just like some guidance when doing it - if you had a problem with any type of form ie bank form etc you may well seek the advice of a financial adviser it does not mean you are defrauding the bank does it

andyandflo

f1widow wrote: »

Yes I am still receiving DLA at present time

In answer to dmg24 (and I really dont want an argument or debate) I can say fully what and how my illness affects me - I dont think there is anything hidden in the form at all BUT i find that not all the questions dont exactly relate to a mental illness but in someway are relevant - the questions are often phrased in a "physical pain" type way - those people who have filled a DLA form in for mental health purposes will know - and if it is of any consequence when I did seek the help of welfare rights THEY were the ones that pointed out that the form was not the easiest to fill in if you had a MH problem as it does not appear relevant - I dont want someone to answer for me or put words in my mouth I just like some guidance when doing it - if you had a problem with any type of form ie bank form etc you may well seek the advice of a financial adviser it does not mean you are defrauding the bank does it

Ahhh I really feel for you,

First of all forget the silly comments others make. I tried to fill out a form claiming sick benefit last year (ESA50). The first few pages were OK, but it went on and on and on. By the time I got to the end of it I had given up. In fact I didn't even think about telling them about all of my illnesses, just the one mentioned on the sick note from the GP.

I know how you feel. I just didn't have the energy or patience to do any more than I did. I lost my case and some bright spark on here said it was all my fault because I should have filled the form out properly - 'I had plenty of time to do so!'

So yes I agree with you it is difficult and don't let anybody say it isn't!!

The best advice given so far is to find your local DIAL office. They are good at helping to fill these damn forms out.

Oh and yes, I think you are very brave in even attempting to fill out the DLA claim form - I have had two sets sent to me over the past year and both are still on my desk - unopened!! They put the fear of God in me. So be brave, find DIAL and make an appointment.

And please ignore some of the stupid and insensitive comments made.

Tell you what, let me know when you have filled it out, cos if you can manage it, so can I!!!

LindsayO

f1widow, getting a copy of your old application is a good place to start, then you can go through each question one by one and think about whether or not things have changed. If things are pretty much the same then you could use the answers that you used last time. Of course if things have changed you would have to change your answers, but at least it would give you a place to start.