Able to claim DLA?

abi-em-mum83

Hi Im sort of clueless as to benefits as Ive never claimed them before, so hoping someone could give me some opinions and advice.
Basically since having my youngest child 2 years ago I have been left in agony. I have lost sensation in one leg, suffer from excruciating back pain. I struggle with things like getting in the bath, climbing stairs,walking and standing. My partner works full time and I have tried to get part time jobs but Ive had to leave as Ive been in agony (last time was so bad the ambulance had to be called,with a doctor needing to administer morphine just so I could move). I am under consultant care, told there is not much they can do. Tried physio etc but they have said its no use, and I am on a cocktail of dihydracodeine,diclofenac and diazepam daily.
Also for the last 18 months I have been back and forth to the hospital with unknown pelvic pain. It was at first believed to be caused by an ovarian cyst and benign tumour, however they've now decided that isnt attached to anything so wont be causing the pain. I am awaiting results of a ct scan, and having "episodes" 2-3 times a month where Im in screaming agony, admitted to hospital and given morphine. They have said if the Ct scan doesnt show up anything it could be a case of chronic pain management for life. Now both problems is severely hindering my life. I am doped up on painkillers,cant do simple things like go shopping in Asda,or take my children to school. My partner works full time but he does all the cooking and cleaning, and has to help me into the bath etc.

So basically Im wondering if I would be entitled to DLA? As I say I ve never claimed benefits before, and would much rather be working and getting on with my career (midwifery) but I just can not.
Any opinions?

Darlyd

Oh you poor thing, I feel for you (( hugs ))

I would claim, you have every right too, And if you denied then try, keep trying till you get it. That's all I know, I am sure others will be along to give you more advice.

xx

Mojisola

abi-em-mum83 wrote: »

I am doped up on painkillers,cant do simple things like go shopping in Asda,or take my children to school. My partner works full time but he does all the cooking and cleaning, and has to help me into the bath etc.

With needs like this, you should be entitled to DLA.

As you have no experience with claiming benefits, it would be worth getting help to fill in the forms. There are a range of people who can help - your council may have Welfare Advisors and there's the CAB and DIAL as well.

Good luck.

abi-em-mum83

Thanks for your replies. Do you know if my partner working full time will affect a claim? He works all day but prepares lunch before he goes, he picks up and drops the girls at school, then comes home and does the tea,the cleaning, baths and beds the girls then helps me with the bath. Im concerned that they would say because I dont have anyone here helping for 9 hours during the day I dont need it.
Also do you know if you receive DLA if you can apply for housing and council tax benefit? Receiving anything would be a massive help for us. My partner is now well paid and money is so unbelievably tight :-(

MrsManda

Definitely apply for DLA, you shouldn't have much of a problem in getting it. I would make sure you let your doctors aware that you are applying so that they are up to date with your situation as the DWP is likely to write to them to confirm your symptoms and the length of time you've been experiencing the problems/how long they can be expected to continue.

As it seems that you cannot work at the moment, you should also claim Employment Support Allowance.

Mojisola

abi-em-mum83 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. Do you know if my partner working full time will affect a claim? He works all day but prepares lunch before he goes, he picks up and drops the girls at school, then comes home and does the tea,the cleaning, baths and beds the girls then helps me with the bath. Im concerned that they would say because I dont have anyone here helping for 9 hours during the day I dont need it.(

The claim will be based on your needs - not whether you have someone with you all day. To be honest, until people get some extra money, most can't afford to get extra help.

Your husband's income won't affect your claim. People can work full-time themselves and claim DLA - it's there to help with the extra expenses of having a disability. For instance, you could use some of it to pay for a cleaner or someone to get the girls to and from school.

mztoxic

Hi
I have sent you a private message
xx

sunnyone

Applying for DLA has changed over the years and is not an easy benefit to get, from your discription of your needs you should get it but that dosnt mean that you will without appealing.

A friend of mine applied three months ago and she definatly has serious care and mobility needs, they sent a doctor to see her and he was asking her questions that has absolutly nothing to do with DLA and she has been refused it and she is now appealing.

I was their when the doctor came and it was nothing like when I was awarded DLA in 1992, then it was only about care and mobility needs but he wanted to know about everything and in the appeal pack she has been refused on none care and mobilty needs which is totally bizarre.

I hope you are taking stomach protection, I didnt and I now have huge duodenal ulcers from taking diclofenac, anyone regularly taking diclofenac or any other NSAIDs inc. COX 2s should take stomach protection every day.

abi-em-mum83

Oh gosh what do you mean stomach protection?

MrsManda

abi-em-mum83 wrote: »

Oh gosh what do you mean stomach protection?

There a few different ways of protecting the gastrointestinal system (stomach, intestines, throat...) from ulcers. Have a look on the NHS website here: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anti-inflammatories-non-steroidal/pages/introduction.aspx

or www.bnf.org:
http://bnf.org/bnf/bnf/current/60265.htm - you may need to sign in.
If you read the information leaflet for your diclonfenac you will see the risks and how to reduce risks. You need advice from your doctors and follow the instructions on your medications especially as you are taking so many.
If you're concerned speak to your local pharmacist for a medicine review.

daska

abi-em-mum83 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. Do you know if my partner working full time will affect a claim? He works all day but prepares lunch before he goes, he picks up and drops the girls at school, then comes home and does the tea,the cleaning, baths and beds the girls then helps me with the bath. Im concerned that they would say because I dont have anyone here helping for 9 hours during the day I dont need it.
Also do you know if you receive DLA if you can apply for housing and council tax benefit? Receiving anything would be a massive help for us. My partner is now well paid and money is so unbelievably tight :-(

DLA can affect other benefits, but generally in a positive way. It's not means tested so it doesn't matter how much income or savings you or your partner have. You can also apply for ESA if you are too sick to work.

Contact your local council about housing benefit ( or local housing allowance) and council tax benefit. Expect to provide your tenancy agreement, bank statements, ID etc.