Do you think I'm entitled to high-rate care DLA?

HappySaver1968

Hello,

I was recently awarded Disability Living Allowance on an indefinite basis at the middle rate care and low rate mobility. I guess I have my Psychiatrist, Doctor and my Community Psychiatric Nurse to thank for that because they were really helpful and filled in everything on my behalf and sent away letters of support to the Department for Work and Pensions.

My nurse said she was really pleased with the outcome of this award but from what she had said before, I thought I was on the highest rate already and she said this wasn't the case at all. She said there was a top rate and that she thinks I should be entitled to it, that I'm more than welcome to apply for it should I want to and if I do, she'll help me out but to think carefully about it because they could refuse me and stop my award altogether!

I think it would be easier for me to list some of the reasons why I think I might be entitled to this extra support and I really believe it would make life better for me because my situation is very bad and I need to have more support than you might expect due to this. OK, here is a list of reasons, please tell me if you think I'd qualify, based on the information I'm going to provide:

* I'm on the Enhanced Care Programme Approach with regular reviews.
* I'm currently under a Community Care Package with lots of support available to me.
* I suffer from Auditory and Command Hallucinations that can make me a danger to myself and others.

* I'm a very severe Agoraphobic, this has blighted my life for many years.
* I suffer from extremely severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which rules me completely.
* I have problems with my kidneys etc, need the toilet all the time and have "accidents" regularly which is embarrassing.

* My sight and hearing are not too good at all.
* I've made numerous attempts on my life in recent years, still want to die now.
* I've been sectioned under the Mental Health Act once and been a voluntary patient regularly.

* My CPN visits me at least once a week.
* I see my Psychiatrist and my Doctor on a regular basis.
* I've started to work with a Psychologist to help me deal with the past.

* I occasionally go into respite care for short breaks.
* I have a Social Worker, two Home Helps, a Befriender and a Carer.
* I'm on Employment and Support Allowance, placed in the Support Group without a medical.

I have to add that the home helps don't offer any support to me just now because I don't have my own home anymore due to family breakdown and having to sleep on my mates sofa for now. I asked a question on here a few days ago and some people very kindly helped me. I intend to try and get that side of things sorted out but it would be good to know where I stand on this too. Do you think it would be worth my while making the claim for high-rate DLA?

John.

bobajob_1966

I think most people would be grateful for the incredible support package you have, and not worrying about getting more money.

HappySaver1968

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

I think most people would be grateful for the incredible support package you have, and not worrying about getting more money.

Thanks, but I need more money to be able to pay for things independently because I have to make a contribution to things like home helps and day trips/respite care etc. The whole reason for DLA is, in my opinion, to help with the added costs of having disabilities.

John.

bobajob_1966

HappySaver1968 wrote: »

Thanks, but I need more money to be able to pay for things independently because I have to make a contribution to things like home helps and day trips/respite care etc. The whole reason for DLA is, in my opinion, to help with the added costs of having disabilities.

John.

Seriously, read back how much help you have and then look at how little others get. You already have ESA/ IB/ IS and your current DLA to pay for 'day trips', how much more do you need?

BigAunty

Certainly you can make a claim for high rate care. The essential criteria is as follows:-

If you have care needs




To get the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), your disability must be severe enough for you to either:

• need help with things such as washing, dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating your needs
• need supervision to avoid you putting yourself or others in substantial danger
• need someone with you when you are on dialysis
• be unable to prepare a cooked main meal for yourself (if you have the ingredients), if you are aged 16 or over

Highest rate
If you need help or supervision frequently throughout the day and during the night.

You can get Disability Living Allowance for your care needs even if no one is actually giving you the care you need, even if you live alone.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011816

BigAunty

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

Seriously, read back how much help you have and then look at how little others get. You already have ESA/ IB/ IS and your current DLA to pay for 'day trips', how much more do you need?

I think you are on the wrong forum.

This one is to help people with their specific benefit entitlements in a non-judgemental way, as per the forum rules and general etiquette of the site.

If you want to criticise the benefit system and its policies, go to the Discussion Time forum. Reminder:-

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Ames

For higher rate it's not so much about how much care you need, but when you need it. You have to have substantial care needs both night and day.

I currently get high rate care for my mental health needs. I have physical care needs too, but on the award letter it doesn't mention those, so I don't know if they were taken into account or not.

Your CPN is right, you do risk your current award if you appeal. If I were you, before doing anything I'd speak to a welfare rights officer, I go to DIAL and they're fantastic. They'll be able to discuss with you whether or not they think your current award is 'safe' if you appeal, and tell you all the pros and cons. They'll have all the details so they'll be able to give you specific advice, which a forum can't do.

Muttleythefrog

Yeah... this is a tricky one... you may well technically be entitled to the high rate.. probably you can assess that for yourself given the criteria discussed above and widely available.... but for the slightly extra money of HRC compared to MRC (taking into account the fact Severe Dis premium applies to both if relevant) you would be taking a risk of losing the current decent award. I think you have to weigh up the risk.... your risk is probably lower than for most because you do appear to have supportive medical professionals in terms of benefit claims. Might be worth you taking the decision letter to your CPN... your letter presumably documents whether it is a night or day condition that has qualified you for MRC... and look at how strong a case could be compiled for a 'care' or 'supervision/watch over' claim of the other period of day in a new claim. I'd be tempted to accept what you have... but with the support you've got I might be swayed to pursue the matter. If you still are within time to appeal the decision I'd be tempted... but I suspect from your wording that may not be the case.

skater_kat

also if you get a high rate award, your net weekly income will be higher, and therefore you will have to contribute more towards your social services support per week. they only have set amounts that they can disregard for expenditure for disability related items, so you might not end up any better off financially anyway.

bestpud

I agree you have a fantastic support package in place! Many struggle to get a CPN, let alone all the other support you have!

This is a time of funding cut backs - have you noticed? I have, being a care worker!!!

It's up to you, of course, but I'd get more specific advice before taking the chance.

BigAunty: maybe some 'sharper' replies are from people who need support but can't access any? It's easy to feel aggrieved in those circumstances, when there is someone receiving support from all areas but moaning it's not enough - all posters are human after all!!

TrixieB

bestpud wrote: »

BigAunty: maybe some 'sharper' replies are from people who need support but can't access any? It's easy to feel aggrieved in those circumstances, when there is someone receiving support from all areas but moaning it's not enough - all posters are human after all!!

Bestpud it's a poster who likes to kick off at vulnerable people by posting unhelpful replies, Bigaunty has it spot on :cool:

OP - Aside from a little extra money what else can upgrading your award do for you considering you seem to have a excellent support in place?

apply by all means but be prepared to lose the whole lot, it can and does happen. Wishing you luck