Claiming DLA when you are autistic, I have some doubts/worries

dekaspace

Have just been diagnosed with autism and already have a mental health social worker but I am just skeptical or worried that I will not be entitled to it and go through a lot of stress waiting.

Currently am a jobseeker and happy to work but theres little work around my area so I would only want to go on DLA to relieve tension and to help me get back into work easier too etc.

I only ask since I hear how strict the DWP is now and it gets stricter each year so want some opinions and experiences.

Dunroamin

DLA isn't an out of work benefit and you can claim it whether working or on other benefits. It's based on a your care or mobility needs.

HB58

DLA is an 'in work' benefit paid to people to help offset the added costs associated with care and/or mobility needs. ESA is the new sickness benefit which may be paid to those who are not well enough to work.

dekaspace

Oops yeah I forgot its called ESA now, just my social worker still calls it DLA so it slipped my mnd.

Unless my social worker is wanting me to claim Income Support as well I dont know.

HB58

ESA has never been called DLA - they are 2 different benefits.

spikeripley

TBH I would have thought your mental health social worker should be making sure you claim all the benefits you are entitled to.

spikeripley

DLA is an 'in work' benefit paid to people to help offset the added costs associated with care and/or mobility needs.

DLA is paid whether you work or not.

Notmyrealname

My son is autistic as is my brother. Getting DLA for my son was a nightmare despite reams of paper from medical professionals as evidence. Had to appeal. Join the National Autistic Society and see if there's a local support group who can help you fill in the forms.

However if you're very high functioning like my brother is, you won't get it because you don't have any care or mobility needs. He works in a housing benefit office and used to be a manager at another council - just to give you hope that it is possible to have a "normal" career.

fogartyblue.

dekaspace wrote: »

Currently am a jobseeker and happy to work but theres little work around my area so I would only want to go on DLA to relieve tension and to help me get back into work easier too etc.

.

And you think that DLA is awarded for that reason?

No wonder this country is in the state it is!

Geee, if everybody that suffers from 'tension' was to be awarded DLA, you might as well award it for everybody that starts school at 5 and it finishes when you peg it!

Not a hope in hell!!

raq

pains me to type this but my 5 year old was awarded dla and he is borderline autistic.

HB58

It is ESA that should, theoretically, give help and support in finding work.