DLA/ESA - Keeping a diary and a question too

TrixieB

I have read that starting a diary is useful to include in your application for DLA or to keep in event of needing to appeal, so have started one today. How much detail would you say it would need? should it be in the form of your normal journal would be, this is how I have started or should it be in a format of at 1pm i did x and it took me y to do and afterwards I felt z ....?

Also feeling pretty wrung out after starting to write today, and reading it back, sometimes when you are living it you don't realise how un-normal it is how you are living/trying to cope and it's making me feel very sad and especially for my OH how much he actually does for me has surprised me seeing it written down like that
bright side though - thinking it'll be a good place to let off steam but then if it gets too personal maybe that's not going to be useful for DLA/ESA purposes?

My question that I can't seem to find the answer to is, can you apply for both ESA and DLA and get both at same time or is it a case of one or the other? Am currently off work and on SSP but still employed - by the skin of my teeth! - that's going to change very shortly so I know I'll need to apply for ESA but then getting confused that if I am on ESA wasn't sure I could apply for DLA too, or would it mean that I then wouldn't get ESa, sorry rambling now, tried to search but brains a bit fuzzy today from tabs so sorry if it's a completely daft question

Anubis_2

ESA and DLA are two separate benefits. As for the diary, I would advise writing everything down that you feel that day - personal or not, let it all out as this is good for releasing.

Then, use which parts you want, making a condensed version for DLA or ESA if you only want them to see non personal pieces.

Personally I write everything I feel and give them that, I hide nothing, but I understand some may not want to do that.

It is wirthwile mentioning that if you apply for both and go for a medical for one, it may affect the outcome of the other. There are people on here who state they have failed ESA medical and had their DLA stopped as a consequence, however they were already in receipt of DLA.

The more information you can give them regarding you conditions, the better.

TrixieB

Thank you Anubis just noticed your signature line about struggling to type due to meds amongst other things, certainly know how that feels today!! Can't think in a straight line and keep having to edit myself.
My only worry about the personal parts of my diary are things like maybe "attempting" sex, a bit of mild ffing and swearing etc wether that was inappropritar
Did you also get the feeling of wow, didn't think it was that bad till i wrote it down?

Anubis_2

TrixieB wrote: »

Thank you Anubis just noticed your signature line about struggling to type due to meds amongst other things, certainly know how that feels today!! Can't think in a straight line and keep having to edit myself.
My only worry about the personal parts of my diary are things like maybe "attempting" sex, a bit of mild ffing and swearing etc wether that was inappropritar
Did you also get the feeling of wow, didn't think it was that bad till i wrote it down?

Oh yes indeed, it's horrifying really, and frightening because if I lost my husband I would end up in a "home.". I hate the dependancy and try to do things for myself but end up a cropper doing so.

Just before Christmas last year I was worried about not being able to get up Christmas day, so much so I got frustrated and attempted to get out of bed with my crutches. I managed it, got to the top of the stairs, proud of myself, and lost my balance and fell top to bottom, my back hitting the last ten or so steps harshly.

My monkey bone was extremely painful for weeks and I had some bad bruising. I was then laid up for weeks ( bed pan mode ) which got to me even more as I already spend 90 percent in bed normally but having to spend more took its toll.

I mentioned personal things ( not sex though since I am unable to have sex) more about the help I need on the toilet etc and incontinence issues.

Do swear to relieve your frustration, just omit when copying out for your application.

Anubis_2

pertob wrote: »

Diary keeping? What next? I can't see what has to do with a claim for a sickness or disability benefit.
I would have thought that for DLA it would be important to highlight what the needs have been on a daily basis and how much extra those needs have cost.

I only mention that as DLA is a benefit that is there to help pay towards those extra needs that the disabled person has that an ordinary fit person doesn't.

As for ESA, this is a benefit because you are unable to carry out some/most/any of he work related activities. Would you not need to show how, when, where and how on a daily basis, you would satisfy that criteria. Also it is important to identify those activities that you can do that are relevant in the work place. ESA is a benefit paid because you
could not do ANY type of job.

Incorrect. ESA focuses on what you CAN do, and if you can do limited or specific work - it is not paid solely on the basis you can't do any work, unless you get put in Support group, but you can work regardless of group you are put in.

DLA focuses on what you cannot do, and you can work if you want with DLA also, and DLA is not affected by any benefits or wages.

As for sex, as it is a natural part of a healthy relationship, it can be mentioned if you struggle with it physically or mentally and there is nothing wrong with doing so. You are aware that some wheelchair users pay for such relief because it is necessary for them.

MrsManda

I've never actually included a diary when filling out forms for ESA or DLA. I kept a basic diary to keep track of when I needed help, what kind of help, how I felt and any relevant incidents (such as leaving the hob on and setting fire to part of my kitchen because I completely forgot I was cooking and had wandered off).
This helped me when it came to answering questions about my care/mobility needs in the case of DLA and my inability to lead a basically 'normal' life within my own home let alone go to work in the case of ESA.
It was useful mainly because I didn't realise quite how much my health had affected my life and how often I needed help with basic things until I looked back on a few weeks of notes. My OH was also surprised and without the diary we'd have painted a much more optimistic outlook on my health than was true.

It was also good for taking with me to the doctors as then they got an accurate picture of how my health issues were affecting me on a day to day basis. Personal details such as having difficulty with sex due to energy/depression/pain etc can be very useful for your specialists as it gives them a fuller picture to help diagnose and treat you. I'm not sure they're as much use to helping the DWP decide if you're fit for work.

You can claim DLA and ESA at the same time as they're for different things.

TrixieB

Pertob - what do you mean a diary whatever next? I am sure you must know that it's admissable as supporting evidence in a claim?

FYI - I can't walk, stand, sit for more than 5-10 minutes without feeling severe pain which is why i am signed off as being unfit for work by my GP as I only know of one or two jobs that would enable me to be in my preferred and least painful position of lying down, which probably aren't legal anyway

I wasn't saying at all that not being able to have sexual relations was part of why I am considering claiming DLA, just that I had mentioned it in my diary and would it be inapporopriate to include it if I send it off along with mild sweariing swearing, or to edit it but then am sure you knew that....

Anubis - Monkey bone?? can't imagine what spending all that time in bed would be like, I have my own problems sure but nothing like the level of you so appreciate you taking the time and energy to answer

TrixieB

Mrs. Manda, thanks for reply, your thanks button has disappeared?!

I get rather fuzzy headed on my tablets a lot and also writing this diary will help me remember specific things like on Moday I burnt myself on my hand whilst attempting to bend and get something into the oven, on days I trip or fall etc.

Anubis_2

TrixieB wrote: »

Anubis - Monkey bone?? can't imagine what spending all that time in bed would be like, I have my own problems sure but nothing like the level of you so appreciate you taking the time and energy to answer

Sorry, monkey bone is thevlittle tail bone at the bottom of the spine

TrixieB

oh yes of course :D:p

yeowch!

rogerblack

TrixieB wrote: »

"attempting" sex

This made me laugh out loud, with the thought that I definately need at least an hours daily care, to aid with my sex life.

(Currently appealing DLA refusal, though not on that ground)