DLA advice please

3plus1

I would really appreciate some advice. I just didn't know who else to ask.

For medical reasons, I find it difficult to use a car with foot pedals, and think I should be entitled to help purchasing a car with hand controls. I used to work with someone who was in a wheelchair, and he got his specially adapted car for free.

The catch is that I'm not registered disabled and would feel like a right fraud applying for DLA. I do not have a disability, but I do have an incurable medical condition which makes walking painful. It would be easy enough to get a doctor to agree that walking hurts me, but I don't want to claim benefits each month. I just want initial help purchasing a car, and maybe even getting one of those special badges. There doesn't seem to be a way to get this sort of help without applying for weekly handouts though.

I'm onto a loser, aren't I?

This has only become an issue for me lately because I've had to rule out applying for a lot of good jobs I'm perfectly qualified for, because I don't have a driving licence. I've managed fine with public transport all my life, but that's not good enough for these people...

Anyone have any advice for me?

Bossyboots

I might be missing the point here but why would you want a car if you don't have a driving licence?

devizes18193

you might get a badge, you do not need dla to apply ,however you need to be on the highest rate of dla for help with cars . There are many types of disabled people from those in wheel chairs to old fokes to people with learning problems

flowerofthewest

I would suggest applying for DLA. You say you have problems walking - this is a disability. DLA is not means tested - it is based on you abiity to perform daily, necessary, tasks. As you have mobility problems you may be entitled to anything from the lower rate, which is enough to help with transport costs, to the higher rate, which will probably cover most of your transport costs. The higher rate also allows you to apply for a motability scheme vehicle, with all or some of your money being paid direct to the dealer - depending on the model you choose. You will also be able to apply for a grant towards the cost of adapting the vehicle.
You say you don't have a licence -is this because you haven't passed yoyr test or just never bothered updating when the new licences were introduced. If it's because you haven't passed a test - DLA motability may pay some, or all, of the cost of driving lessons. You have to apply separately with a quote from local driving schools. Usually takes around 6-7 weeks for a decision.
Hope this helps

seggy1

Well You Must Always Make Out You Are Worse To Get Any Sort Of Benifit If You Can Hardly Walk But Only A Short Distance Sa About 20 M Before You Have To Stop Apply For D L A But Apply With Your Welfare Rights Os Citizen Adive Dont I Repeat Dont Apply Your Self As There Now What To Put I Hope This Helps It Does Not Matter If You Have Not Got A Lincence Because Your Son Or Daugter Can Get The Car And Drive You About So Apply Straght Away As It Takes Effect From The Day It Is Recieved Thanks

welshcakes

I would certainly apply for a Blue Badge from your local council if you have severe limitations on walking distances. You do not have to be in receipt of any benefits or DLA. On the BB form you need to have a section of it filled in by your GP as verification of your condition. For those who receive higher DLA, the blue badge is automatic and you don't have to fill in the gp part.

You will then need two passport size photos which you sign the back of and a £2 admin fee. It all gets popped into an envelope to your local council and they do the rest.

In your case, it will be displayed on someone else's car and they must ensure that they only display/use it when either you are in the car OR they are doing something on your behalf eg getting in your shopping in which case you don't have to be present

3plus1

I don't have a driving licence because I haven't managed to pass a driving test yet! This is mainly due to the fact that I find it really difficult to maintain clutch control using my feet, and obviously that doesn't make me a safe driver in a normal non-adapted car!

Thanks for your replies everyone - really encouraging.:)

wolfehouse

have you tried learning in an automatic?

seggy1

Well Mate Get You On And Ring Straight Away Get The Forms Sent To You Then Book An Appoiment With Welfare Rights Or Citizen Advice To Help Fill Out The Forms Please Dont Do It On Your Own Please Dont.
As People Have Said You Dont Have To Drive To Get The Blue Badge As Someone Can Use It For You If You Are Taking Out And About.

seggy1

But Please Remember You Can Only Walk About 20 Meters Before Standstill If You Know What I Mean. With Consideral Pain. When You Walk I Like To See People Claiming Mate As You Are Entiled To It

beanielou

Speak to your Doctor & get him to refer you to the nearest driving assessment centre.
They will then work with you to work out what what on learning to drive & the type of adaptations you could benefit from
eg I now drive an automatic with a left foot accelorator.
Hope this helps