Wife had stroke, DLA?

raptorman

My wife had what turned out to be a small stroke about 3 months ago. She was working and is now claiming SSP. She has a appointment for a MRI scan next week to confirm.

Would she be eligible for DLA as because of the stroke her balance has been affected quite badly and she can't walk any distance without someone or something to hold onto for support.

All answers greatly appreciated.

McKneff

Is she likely to be able to go back to work.

I believe you have to have had the ailment for 3 months and expect it to last at least another six.

Wait and see what her prognosis is. Hopefully she will make a good recovery if it is a small stroke.

The criteria for DLA is very high these days.

dandelionclock30

People shouldnt be trying to put you of claiming if your wife is eligable.
Here is the DLA clecklist and links for further infomation. You decide if she meets the criteria. DLA can be awarded for care needs and mobility or both. If you wish to proceed and claim, get the forms and ask the CAB or Welfare rights to help you complete them. Or a Support Worker, as you will have a better chance of getting the money. Also dont forget you can appeal the decision if you get turned down.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011925

sleepless_saver

McKneff wrote: »

Is she likely to be able to go back to work.

DLA can be awarded whether someone is in work or not.

OP, if you have a look at this link you will see the sorts of factors taken into account for DLA. As McKneff says, she needs to have continuing care and/or mobility needs for at least 6 months. She also needs to be under 65 for DLA.

If she does decide to apply, it's a good idea to get help from CAB or welfare rights as the form is not the easiest for describing someone's problems.

Muttleythefrog

Agree with above... I'd wait until after the scan as you'll be better situated to determine long term effects of the stroke... especially in light of the requirement the problems should have existed for 3 months and be expected to last at least another 6.

Could she be entitled to DLA... possibly... unfortunately the link I recommend so people can figure out for themselves with some clarity has vanished. She could be entitled to low rate mobility if she requires supervision/guidance when outdoors. She could be entitled to some level of care component if she requires assistance with personal care.. it doesn't sound like supervision during day or night would be up for consideration. Personal care could be help washing, getting in and out of bed, dressing, grooming, help going to toilet or taking medication etc. The criteria for DLA describes the various levels of personal care that would be required to get award. Awards are not always easy to get and can rely on completing the application form in appropriate manner and having 3rd party evidential corroboration of claimed problems.

And as above.. DLA is not a benefit related to working status... ESA would be the likely appropriate benefit when/if SSP runs out and still 'on the sick'.

raptorman

She had a appointment with her GP 2 days ago and he said it could last for a year or may not get better at all, he also gave her another sick note for 12 weeks.

Muttleythefrog

raptorman wrote: »

She had a appointment with her GP 2 days ago and he said it could last for a year or may not get better at all, he also gave her another sick note for 12 weeks.

This may become appropriate then in due course.. information including regarding claiming ESA.. if she can't return to work before SSP runs out
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894

raptorman

Muttleythefrog wrote: »

This may become appropriate then in due course.. information including regarding claiming ESA.. if she can't return to work before SSP runs out
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171894

The only problem with her working is that we live in a small town with few job opportunities and she has no means of transport as I work night shifts. Her job at the moment is in a deli and I don't think it suitable for someone with a balance problem to be working with knives, slicing machines and hot plates/fryers.

dandelionclock30

No its not, and she needs to be talking to her employers about any adjustments they can make. Could she do more serving and get others to assist with the cutting and slicing machines?

rogerblack

raptorman wrote: »

The only problem with her working is that we live in a small town with few job opportunities and she has no means of transport as I work night shifts. Her job at the moment is in a deli and I don't think it suitable for someone with a balance problem to be working with knives, slicing machines and hot plates/fryers.

One issue for the future is that ESA does not take into account employability, or barriers into work.
It is basically a tickbox list of what can't be done.

[Deleted User]

the trick with a small stroke is to avoid the follow up strokes,take it from someone who knows,yes apply for dla but also get on the correct medication