What am I entitled to?

Suse_09

Hi, just after some advice ... I can't work because my 20 month old child is too frequently ill often in hospital and under several consultants at Leeds hospital which means a lot of appointments. I applied for careers and disability allowance and was told that I didn't qualify because all toddlers need a lot of attention. My partner works but we can't survive on his wage alone. Is there anything else I could apply for or any ideas about what I could do?

Dunroamin

How many hours does your partner work?

grummps

Suse_09 wrote: »

Hi, just after some advice ... I can't work because my 20 month old child is too frequently ill often in hospital and under several consultants at Leeds hospital which means a lot of appointments. I applied for careers and disability allowance and was told that I didn't qualify because all toddlers need a lot of attention. My partner works but we can't survive on his wage alone. Is there anything else I could apply for or any ideas about what I could do?

Of course they do, but toddlers that have an underlying medical condition that needs extra attention are entitled to DLA.

All you have to do is ask yourself one question. In all honesty does your child require more attention than any other child of his/her age that does not have a medical condition. If so DLA should be claimed.

How long ago were you refused DLA? Did you appeal against the decision?

Get yourself down to the CAB or any other welfare rights worker and ask for help in filling out another DLA application form or appealing against the decision.

The trick with DLA - apart from knowing how to fill out the application form is to have medical evidence that not only confirms the diagnosis, but if at all possible confirms that he/she has substantial needs and what they are.

Good luck

Spamfree_2

Could you apply for tax credits depending on OH's working hours and pay?

pmlindyloo

Put your details into the benefit calculator on www.turn2us.org. for an estimate of what you are entitled to.

Suse_09

Due to OH's pay he earns about 26000 a year we cant get anything tax credit etc wise were just over the boundarym but because of where we live and both needing a car, mortgage and debt payments, we have alot going out.

As far as i could see if i was unable to hold a job down because of the amount of time i was having to take off to spend in hospital etc i should have had it. it was about 6 months ago and i didnt appeal because i didnt know what else i could tell them to persuade them we were in need! can i re apply any time or is there a limit? thanks everyone

mildred1978

Can you do something from home? Ebaying/Avon etc?

merlin68

Whats the matter with your child.

pmlindyloo

Suse_09 wrote: »

Due to OH's pay he earns about 26000 a year we cant get anything tax credit etc wise were just over the boundarym but because of where we live and both needing a car, mortgage and debt payments, we have alot going out.

As far as i could see if i was unable to hold a job down because of the amount of time i was having to take off to spend in hospital etc i should have had it. it was about 6 months ago and i didnt appeal because i didnt know what else i could tell them to persuade them we were in need! can i re apply any time or is there a limit? thanks everyone

If you are struggling with your finances, can't get any benefits, then you might like to post on the Debtfree forum for some help and support. They are a very supportive lot and are full of wonderful ideas for reducing your expenditure.

It might be the case where you could reduce your payments to your creditors while you are struggling/enter a Debt Management plan or something else.

skipsmum

I would re-apply for DLA but get some help with the forms. Some hospitals have people that will help - there was a benefits advisor at GOSH that filled DS's form in. I have a friend whos child was recently awarded DLA at 3 months old so it can be done. I don't think you can claim mobilty component for toddlers as all little ones have mobility issues!
Good luck, and best wishes with your little one. Its tough on the whole family, try and take some time out for you and your OH.

grummps

Suse_09 wrote: »

it was about 6 months ago and i didnt appeal because i didnt know what else i could tell them to persuade them we were in need! can i re apply any time or is there a limit? thanks everyone

Hi, You should have appealed. most new claims get knocked back as a matter of course.

What is important is get help onboard with filling the form out, then gather as much evidence as you can get from anybody that sees your child including a supporting letter from your GP.

Personally I would go and see the GP and put them wise as to exactly what the problems are that you are having. That way they can give a report direct to the DWP when they ask for it.

In the meantime, get hold of the DWP - DLA and ask for a copy of the application form you sent in (if you didn't keep a copy), together with a copy of the medical report they received from your GP and a full explanation of why the child was turned down.

No, no time limits, you can put as many claims in as you like until you get the desired result.