Will I lose my Disability Living Allowance?

qwertyuiop12345

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think that it's extraordinary that so many people have received DLA for so long without having a medical. It's hard to see why anyone should think it unreasonable for regular medicals to take place.

I didn't have a medical for DLA, either when I first applied or when I later told them of a change in circumstances and had my award put up to the higher levels. However I have had medical examinations by a vast group of different consultants and specialists several times a month for the past few years. The information passed on from these medicals was deemed good enough evidence of my need for DLA by the decision maker.

I share your opinion that stringent medical information needs to be known about the applicants, but I'm not sure that the NHS isn't better placed to gather this than the non-specialist doctors and nurses who work for companies like ATOS.

I did have an ATOS 'medical' for my incapacity benefit application and it seemed to me from my experience that this kind of interview type 'medical' could be easily faked by fraudulant applicants. I am sure if I somehow recoved from my illness the NHS doctors would realise this fairly quickly, but it would be very easy for me to pass another ATOS medical, simply by lying.

Aside from not being convinced that this type of medical interview works to combat fraud, I also know from my experience that it can be an unpleasant and exhausting experience. If I believed it actually would be an effective antifraud measure than I wouldn't mind going through it, even if it led to a temporary worsening of my health. But if a new assessment is both relatively ineffective and causes discomfort, then I would see it as unreasonable.

strong96

mine used to be reviewed every 2 yrs until last review they just made it indefinate, i get lrc hrm i also work. i hate when people see me thinking if shes registered disabled why is she working, because i can. i've never had a medical for dla but they have had information from doctors and specialist every time they've requested it so that probably helps.
they can do a medical, i'll even show them xrays of all my false joints to make them feel better.
i've been questioned why you can claim dla and still work, because a lot of people with disabilities are still capable people, the monies not for us to live comfortable on its to help with needs.
i also have come across fraudsters and yes have reported them to the authorities because why should my taxes pay for them to sit around when they are fit.

elaine12022

I believe the official suspected fraud figures for Dla is about 0.6%. The Government wants to reduce people on DLA by 20%. The new 'objective' (their words) assessment will have this aim, and as with ESA no doubt the companies doing the assessing will be paid handsomely for 'failing' people.

The media and Government have been spreading wilful misinformation regarding DLA, implying it is another out of work benefit. It is not. It is to help cover the extra costs of living with disability. Hence in the spending review DLA will not be included in the cap to benefits.

Vaila

i agree that dla is not an out of work benefit, and the media is causing a lot of uneeded stress to those that claim it, ie medicals for dla will probably be compulsary from 2013. what i am unsure about is how they (atos) could possibly examine someone who suffers from a mental illness with someone who suffers from a physical illness, but i assume giving the same test to all claiments means that less people will meet their requirements..

Invalidation

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I think that it's extraordinary that so many people have received DLA for so long without having a medical. It's hard to see why anyone should think it unreasonable for regular medicals to take place.

because sometimes its so damned obvious that their condition will never improve.
I had a DLA medical in 1996 and was classified as Disabled for Life.
The Doctor visited me at home.
Its a waste of time and money giving me and certain others a medical as its damned obvious we will never work again.
It would be far easier and cheaper for any 'Investigator' to check medical records.

TOBRUK

I have had a medical in the past for DLA who visited me at home. The worry I have with the changes they are proposing is that the medical will be carried out by non medical person and based on/yes no questions where they tick on computer screen - they will have a standard software programme.

I have an indefinite DLA award - HRC and HRM which they decided this year, although this means nothing with the proposed changes!

I think they will also change the DLA criteria so many that are presently receiving DLA will not be eligible!

bigturnip

If you live off the state then the state can meddle with your life.

Indie_Kid

I was given DLA for life (indefinite award) because as far as the DWP are concerned, my conditions are never going to improve. My parents were told that when I was 3, I would never drive / could register partially sighted and that's still the case now.

springs65

Thought this might be helpful to someone, it's from the AC site so should be correct.

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/DLAinformation

ms_london

pineapple wrote: »

I suffer from dizziness, concentration and memory problems. Undergoing adrenal and thyroid tests at the mo. I can only get by at work with a lot of stress and effort, including taking work home. I've looked at whether I would qualify for any help, so terrible do I feel at times. But I am not holding my breath. An assessment could catch me on a 'good day'. And probably somewhere, there is a mindless, sitting down occupation just for me!
That said, medical tests are only right. We've all seen the videos of people tripping the light fantastic while claiming they are unable to move.
Unfortunately, those of us in a 'grey area' - without an obvious disability - will suffer for these frauds. And I do believe there are many.
Our benefits system generally needs an overhaul.

Completely agree, it really makes me :mad::mad::mad: that there is no support for people with thyroid conditions & other similiar illnesses. If we had a more obvious disability people wouldn't dare discriminate... I recently lost my job as a result of my condition affecting work, but because it is a thyroid condition I don't have a leg to stand on.

xx