DLA claim first-timer/ Aspergers

Vaila

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

have I missed something? I thought Prince's Trust was for support and advice for young people setting up in business.

well my local princes trust offers such help, i was planning on volunteering as a befriender too

so no its not just for advice on setting up buisnesses

Maybeanotherday

I got my response they turned her down on it, Im going to appeal...just need to build up the energy to reply lol

Indie_Kid

skellett wrote: »

I got my response they turned her down on it, Im going to appeal...just need to build up the energy to reply lol

Did you constantly make it clear on the form that her needs are above that of a child her own age?

Maybeanotherday

No I dont think I did really, I was really lost when I wrote it all down as Ive never seen one of these forms before... It was difficult as she goes to school as well so I couldn't really write about a typical day, However they have refused her on the grounds of mobility and personal care, bth which are a massive problem in our house. She can on occasion become physically aggressive during personal care and will do everything possible to refuse any personal care. She also suffers from thrush and sores due to the level of her need... (dont know how else to put that). Mobility wise she cannot be trusted anywere as she wanders off! we have to use a wrist link in busy places she's ran in the road countless times etc

munchings-n-crunchings

At a tribunal, the qualifying question regarding Lower Rate mobility for my son aged 14, was:-
If he was in a strange town, would he be able to find out how to get home?

Well at 20, 6 years later, he is still not able to do this, or use a phone, or ask for something he wants.

I went into the tribunal knowing my son quite clearly should get Low Rate Care and Low Rate Mobility. I came out of the hearing with Low Mobility and Middle care, more than I thought he would be entitled to.
As soon as it was my turn to speak, the chair said the award of mobility was not in question...yet 2 decision makers could not see this.

I think sometimes the Decision Makers just don't get it, and it's not always down to the lack of information on the claim form.

Appeal the decision. You can do this verbally, or in writing.
I always think if you do it in writing, you have the opportunity to state why reasons you feel the decision in wrong, and back this up with evidence. If you appeal over the phone, they may ask you further questions, and you have to think quickly, and you may later feel you have missed important points.

Just be methodical and proactive. Keep diaries of issues and behaviour, as this will help you at some point. Keep copies of everything. YOu could make an appointment with Welfare Rights, part of your county council, for them to look over everything and give you advice before you make contact.
Remember the timescale for your response.
If you need to take it to tribunal, it's not that daunting.

Good luck,
Munchie

Maybeanotherday

Thankyou for this I did appeal and have recieved a letter saying that they will contact me again within 11 weeks! Its such a lengthy process! lol

caspercaz

There are guides if you google dla autism that give additional pointers when claiming. The National Austistic Society also have guidance re Dla.

Maybeanotherday

Can I just ask a further question on this, my appeal response has come saying that they will contact me within 11 weeks is this the usual case the full 11 weeks? Also should I keep updating DLA with the current situations Ie new reports?

mummyjane

I totally agree, many children show different behaviours and cope differently at school and at home. Often, children with ASD will seem as though they are coping at school but behaviours shown once they return home tell a very different story.