Son with CMT (Charcot Marie Tooth)

kimliz65

Hi, does anyone know if my 15 yr old son could claim a disability benefit?

He was diagnosed last year with a condition called CMT (Hereditory Motor and Sensory Neuropothy) and I have been told by many friends that he is entitled to a benefit.

No medical people have suggested that we claim, so a bit confused.

Does anyone else have this conditon, I have tried related websites but it is not clear if benefits can be applied for. He can walk but after a while he gets pains in his foot and ankle (this is where he mainly has the problem).

Many thanks

Richie-from-the-Boro

kimliz65 wrote: »

Hi, does anyone know if my 15 yr old son could claim a disability benefit?

He was diagnosed last year with a condition called CMT (Hereditory Motor and Sensory Neuropothy) and I have been told by many friends that he is entitled to a benefit.

No medical people have suggested that we claim, so a bit confused.

Does anyone else have this condition, I have tried related websites but it is not clear if benefits can be applied for. He can walk but after a while he gets pains in his foot and ankle (this is where he mainly has the problem).

Many thanks

Anything is possible, apply and find out.

It gets the longest extremities first. at only 15 the care & mobility elements of DLA may be difficult to prove. Sadly later in life even with mobility aids lack of mobility and need for care will become prevalent.

Perhaps concentrating on correct management and keeping the muscle from wasting early is something you could concentrate on.

MrsManda

If he has mobility and/or care needs he may be able to receive Disability Living Allowance. As he is under 16 he will be assessed as a child so I think you'd have to claim on his behalf.
It's worth reading the notes associated with the DLA under 16 application to see if you think he meets the criteria. These can be found along with the application form here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011925

There is a brief checklist to assess possible entitlement on the direct.gov.uk website as well. This is designed for adults but as your son is close to 16 it's worth going through.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_181620.pdf

He may be able to get extra support at school and through whatever he wants to do after G.C.S.E.s. It's important to discuss his problems with his teachers.

snoopy89

yes i get it, i started on lower rate care and high rate mobility due to haveing supports on feet and legs all time, plus i get knackered over short distances and told dont climb stairs etc, if your son is the same as i was you need to high light the points, as today just saying he has suports on both legs means he can walk 100 miles or more to these disabled bashers. you have to tell them in detail about the way the mobility problems afect him day today in the help he needs and what he cant do. all the best of luck.