DLA review of appointment to act

mum4boys

Evening all,

I was wondering if there was anyone around that could shed some light on a letter I received today regarding my sons Disability Living Allowance.

My son is 9 years old and has been receiving DLA since he was 3. His latest award is set to run until he is 16.

Today I received a letter from DLA which stated;

Review of appointment to act for Disabilty Living Allowance
As you know you receive and administer the Disability Living Allowance for the child named below.
We are writing to you to review your role. We want to ensure the appointeeship is working well and that there are no issues we need to address.

The letter goes on to state my sons name and address (same as mine).
It then tells me to read the reminder of my responsibilites as an appointed person. Fill in the reply section and return to them with 2 weeks.

The reply section has a box with I can write in if I do not understand my responsibilities as an appointed person etc and a section to sign it confirm that I understand my responsibilties and confirm the info on the form is correct.

I have never had one of these forms before and to be honest it made me worry as to why they are asking. As my son is only 9 years old I obviously had to be the person to apply for his DLA as he is too young himself. The form is to ensure the appointeeship is working well? I'm his mum, who else would he have as his appointee?

Has anyone else had a form like this? is it a standard thing?

Thanks in advance

rogerblack

mum4boys wrote: »

I'm his mum, who else would he have as his appointee?

Has anyone else had a form like this? is it a standard thing?

How would the DWP know this?

Perhaps there is someone who would be better placed, that might be more appropriate - circumstances change over time.

These sorts of letters are regularly sent out, so people can't argue 'I never knew that...' - you've signed something saying you know about it.

There isn't anything to worry about - the DWP do check up occasionally, as they should.

mum4boys

Thanks for that Roger. It's good to know these sorts of letters are regularly sent out to check on people. I have no worries about my sons entitlement or my suitability to act as his appointee - I was just concerned because we have never received anything like this before.

My's sons disabilties have got worse in last year and we seem to spend our life at the hospital. My son is everything to me but still I always panic that someone with think I am not doing a good enough job.

Thanks for your reply tonight - having someone put it into perspective really helped.

rogerblack

mum4boys wrote: »

My's sons disabilties have got worse in last year and we seem to spend our life at the hospital. My son is everything to me but still I always panic that someone with think I am not doing a good enough job.

It can be endless, and seem everyones judging.

If you're not on highest rate care and mobility - have you considered if his new needs may have tipped him into being eligible for the higher rate?

Chrissiew

There was a post on here a few weeks ago from a lady who recieved the exact same letter concerning her young son, she was also confused and a bit worried as you are, so dont worry as its obviously a letter they send out to lots of people.

harry7075

Is the reply envelope addressed to the "Correctness Department" by any chance?

The D.W.P. and inparticular D.L.A. seem quite hot on sending out routine checks at the moment.

princesskez26

Hi did you get to the end of this letter, intrigued as i have just received one regarding my sons who is an amputee xx

no-oneknowsme

I remember getting a letter like this when I was in receipt of DLA for my Daughter.

Although I was confused by it too I simply filled it in and sent it back as requested , confirming that all the details on the questionairre were correct.

I heard nothing more back from them.

This was maybe 5 years ago.

Anubis_2

My husband is my appointee and has had one of these before, it's just a standard letter reminding you of your "responsibilities" as an "appointee." and confirming you are still acting as appointee.

Here http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/appointee-review.pdf

Some bumph in there but go to 3.1 onwards

luijo

Hi everyone I have just received one of these letters and would like to thank everyone for their above advice. To be honest the letter made me really worry that I wasn't doing a good job or something for my son, or that someoneone thought I should be doing more. I can totally understand how mum4boys feels. Everyday is difficult and I think as a carer or mum/ parent to anyone with disabilities or difficulties knows you are often left feeling like the world is judging you, and the formality of this letter makes you feel like you are doing something wrong. It would be nice if the Government or DWP maybe acknowledged that often life is hard, and maybe said thanks for helping. I know they give money to help, and trust me it is very much appreciated by us as we can buy new the many new mattresses, bedding, treats and other things to help my son. However I also know that the many parents and carers out there are saving the NHS, and other services thousands and thousands of pounds by undertaking all the responsibility themselves. Anyway, im sorry to go on, I just felt so upset and alone that someone might think I wasn't doing a good enough by my son. Maybe if anyone with any influence at the DWP ever reads this thread, they could ask the people who formulate these letters to be a bit more understanding of how it might make people feel.

Hello44

Hi
I have just had a home visit this week about being an appointee for my son who is coming up to 16.
I to was worried sick as I have managed his money for 15 years and never heard anything from them.
But nothing to worry about .When they came spent no more than 15 mins with us.Checked birth certificates passports. Said hi to my son and said nothing would change.Worried alweek ,don't know why just how they make you feel.