DLA.. could I claim?

JuStSoMeOneUdOnTKnOw

Hello everyone..

Please be nice as this is my first post although I've lurked for ages

I have clinical depression, PCOS and thyroid problems which mean I am overweight and find it difficult both physically and mentally to go out, and NEVER without someone with me.. it takes me days to build myself up psychologically to leave the house and sometimes the anxiety is too much and I just can't do it. Physically I have a lot of pain from my ovaries and lower back which is sickening at times and makes me unable to do anything but lie down.

I also suffer with anxiety most of the time and have a feeling of fear almost constantly. As you can imagine I am pretty much isolated as a result and reliant on one (very tolerant) friend for help and support.

Would it be reasonable for me to claim DLA as i would like to be able to give something back to her for everything she does for me and all the time she gives up for me.

Miss_Money

you could claim DLA and if im not mistaken if you need alot of help you maight be able to get carers alowance? im sure someone better informed will be able to inform you of that though.
Id ring and get the forms sent out to you MM x

healy

Subject to various conditions someone can get Carers Allowance for looking after someone else if the person they are caring for has been awarded Middle or Higher Rate Care of DLA.

ellanvannin_2

From personal experience, have a chat with your GP first to see if he/she would support a DLA claim, as what they say will more or less get you the award or not. Again from experience, when you fill in the form and they ask about how far you can walk etc., make sure you say you cannot walk at all without pain and discomfort. It's a lot of form filling and takes time and some thought but get your friend to check your answers before you send them off -you may find he/she sees you more clearly than you see yourself. If you get the higher rate of mobility DLA, then you can get a car from Motability and free car tax, or use the money to get around in other ways (e.g. taxis). If you drive or are driven by your friend, have you applied to your local council for a blue badge? Again it would need to be supported by your GP, but it is well worth getting for convenience of parking and you can also get cut-price or free admission at many places (such as Chester Zoo, CADW Heritage sites, Eden Project, etc. etc.). If you e-mail me direct I have something I can send you that might help with your claim - ellanvannin52@tiscali.co.uk

cifpower

It is always good to get your GP on board - ask his advice beforehand because he may be asked to write a report for your claim. Are you also in contact with a CPN or Consultant Psychiatrist?

Once you get the form contact Welfare Rights or Citizen's Advice for help in filling in the form - the mental health section requires a lot of explaining from the applicant. Remember to write it describing your worse days.

You sound as if you are eligible for mobility and care. Phone up now to get the form as the benefits will be backdated to today and it can take up to 3 months to get any decision.

JuStSoMeOneUdOnTKnOw

Thanks everyone.. I'll do as suggested and speak to my gp next time i see him.
I have just been referred to have a CPN but not had an appoinment yet. Also I see a psychotherapist regularly but not a psychiatrist, not sure if that makes a difference?

mioliere

I can't really offer any practical help but would like to say that I'm thinking about you - you'll find a lot of support and advice on here from the friendliest people you could find and I'm sure that just by looking on here every day and joining other threads you won't feel so alone. Sometimes you can have a real laugh and a joke with people. I sometimes have nights when I can't sleep and there is always someone on here to 'talk' to. I hope things work out for you and that you get DLA - you sound as though you deserve it! Good Luck!

JuStSoMeOneUdOnTKnOw

Thank you mioliere.. I find the same.. I read and have learned a lot from this site.. and many times I also have trouble sleeping at night so I'm very familiar with what you're describing

cifpower

The worst thing is the waiting time for appointments. I was referred to a psychiatrist by my CPN in November and I won't get to see her until the end of this month. She will be diagnosing me properly because my CPN seems to think I have bi-polar tendancies. Without her proper diagnosis I won't be on the proper medication.

JuStSoMeOneUdOnTKnOw

is there no way that appointment could be brought forward? surely its vitally important that you have the right medications for your condition?

I've not heard anything yet about an appointment but my next appointment with the psychotherapist is in two weeks time so maybe she'll have some idea of what's going on then.

As to everything else.. my gp is fantastic and takes all my worries seriously and does do his best to help me where he can.

I just wanted to thank everyone again for their input today

mioliere

:easter: Hi Justsomeoneudontknow - make sure you keep posting - we would all like to know how you ae getting on!