DLA, Mobility and illness that are constent

Indie_Kid

Jowo wrote: »

(though I believe there are probably certain very serious illnesses where DLA is almost certainly given).

There are a few; but for the majority, they need to have care and /or mobility needs to qualify.

MrsManda

AG0987 wrote: »

I
Have a cousin who was recently diagnosed with a form of epilepsy, the DVLA suspended her drivers licence but she has been refused mobility because her illness is not constant.

Does your cousin need to be supervised outside for most of the time? (4/5 days a week)

If the answer is yes, has she had these problems for more than 3 months and is she likely to have them for more than a further 6 months?

DLA Mobility
Lower rate
If you need guidance or supervision out of doors.
Higher rate
If you have any of the other, more severe, walking difficulties.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/DG_10011816

AG0987

Thank you all for your replies

MrsManda wrote: »

Does your cousin need to be supervised outside for most of the time? (4/5 days a week)

I guess the answer is no, but taxi fairs for her to o to work are a lot, it takes her 30 minutes by car over two hours by bus/train

milym and mupette I am sorry your ill, hope you get more good days

My neighbour never has a bad day on Fridays, when she is always in the pub

She was out for a 20 minute stroll to the shops on Monday and 20 back again and on Tuesday too and she works shifts although not sure about the hours - I suspect more then 16.

Indie_Kid

AG0987 wrote: »

My neighbour never has a bad day on Fridays, when she is always in the pub

She was out for a 20 minute stroll to the shops on Monday and 20 back again and on Tuesday too and she works shifts although not sure about the hours - I suspect more then 16.

But how far does those 20 minutes taker her? Are you with her for those 20 minutes? Do you see her every move?

AG0987

sh1305 wrote: »

But how far does those 20 minutes taker her? Are you with her for those 20 minutes? Do you see her every move?

No did not see every move I saw her pass our house, it takes me about 20 minutes too

Bennifred

AG0987 wrote: »

.............................. and she works shifts although not sure about the hours - I suspect more then 16.

DLA is not connected to whether you work or not, nor how many hours you may work.

MrsManda

AG0987 wrote: »

She was out for a 20 minute stroll to the shops on Monday and 20 back again and on Tuesday too and she works shifts although not sure about the hours - I suspect more then 16.

I thought you were asking for help for your cousin not asking for us to judge whether your neighbour is entitled to DLA?

If you truly believe that your neighbour is committing benefit fraud then report her but there could be many reasons why your neighbour receives DLA which you don't know about. I claim some DLA and I'm sure if my neighbours knew they'd be a bit iffy as to whether I am entitled but that's because they only see me when I'm well enough to leave the house which by definition is when I'm feeling relatively ok.

But whether you report your neighbour or not, it's not relevant to whether your cousin should be entitled.

AG0987

got side tracked sorry

parsons

As a side issue to this, it is not just the effect of the illness has on Mobility or Care needs, but as the OP has asked - what happens when those needs come and go regularly. Presumably this is a case of fairly fit for maybe 1 week in a month and the other 3 weeks being unable to walk because of the level of pain encountered because of the illness.

This could be broken down in many ways

1/2 days out of every 7 days being fit with very little problem, the other 5/6 having no mobility at all or requiring a high level of care,
or even having a good three months as being fit whereas the other nine are very bad.

Is it treated the same for 3 out of 12 months being OK as it is for 1/2 days of every week?

I can't see there being any hard and fixed rules about it, as in all examples as for only a 1/4 of year the person is fairly OK, no matter whether you look at it as hours in a day, days in a week, weeks in a month or even months in a year.

Maybe the OP's question is when is it classed as being a mobility or care need if it varies that much over a period?

The way I read it is that for the care element the DWP talk about a 'day' needing 'some', frequent' or 'continual'.
As for the mobility element there is no set time (hour, day, week, month or year) it just talks about having the need.

budgetboo

DLA is based on the additional living costs over and above the norm incurred by having a disability. It is not means tested nor related to your ability to work, or working status.


For conditions that are not constant keep an honest diary for 3 months. Fill in the form stating clearly that the answers are "on average" e.g you might collapse in the street 7 days one week and not at all the next. Include a copy of the diary as supporting evidence and make it clear that the condition has existed for at least 6 months prior to any application, (doctors reports etc).

Epilepsy is one of those conditions that varies greatly in severity but can cost you your driving licence with just one fit, for a number of years. Not being able to drive doesn't automatically make you eligible for any benefits at all, as you can still catch a bus!

Driving is not a mobilty need, the ability to use public transport is. Some people use the mobility payment to fund the use of a car because they are unable to use public transport due to the nature of their disability. Many people can still use public transport with the aid of a carer, and reduced fares are available for carers in most areas to facilitate this. You are looking at the benefit the wrong way around.

The criteria for DLA are very strict, and totally unlike means tested benefits so drawing comparisons with the Jones isn't relevant. The condition must be long term (except for a very few exceptions like terminal illness) and have been a serious impairment to daily life for at least 6 months prior to any application. It has 2 components - care and mobility and these are then graded according to severity of need. For many DLA makes it possible to work in some capacity. My sister is one of many who uses hers towards assistive technology enabling her to work full time.


I met a lady who lived in a residential care home yet held down a full time job last year. She was in a wheel chair and has motor neirone disease which means she can't use the toilet, cook for or bath herself, & needs someone there at night, yet modern computer technology means she can do admin work for self respect. (she only keeps £10 a week of her wages after her care home fees are paid but thinks the dignity she gains from working is priceless).

Many people use DLA to fund stuff like telecare (an alert goes to a central call centre to summon help or an ambulance if a device worn by the wearer gives a signal) and other things which an "outsider" might not be aware of if not a members of teh persons intimate circle so please try not to be too judgemental of others. It's amazing the suffering that goes on behind closed doors while people present a brash front to the world.