Told not to apply for DLA by DIAL

Coolish

I rang my local branch of DIAL the other day to see if they could help me complete the DLA forms to try and get my hubby the middle rate of care (he currently get lowest) they told me NOT to apply as he not only would be turned down he would more than likely lose what DLA he had already...anyone else heard of this happening?

rogerblack

If his award is marginal, then applying does indeed risk it being removed.
At best if this happened, you would face a lengthy appeal with no money till you win.
If he is unquestionably entitled, and you have good evidence to back it up, a claim is less risky.

Coolish2

Thanks for your reply Rodgerblack sorry I've had to make a new account as no matter how hard I try it won't let me log in as Coolish.
I would like to add more to my inital post..when I rang DIAL they didn't ask me anything about my hubbys condition..there was no need because the message to me was simply this- no one.. not me.. not anyone.. need apply for dla as it would be turned down regardless and very very likely the claimant would lose any exsisting dla as well.. that is what I was told by DIAL.. I was flabberghasted!! so no one can claim dla anymore?? my hubby is severly ill..much much wose than when he was awarded lowest rate of care..an now we can't apply for middle rate of care..what are people expected to do? anyone know??

kingfisherblue

You can still apply for DLA, and yes, people are still awarded it. Next year, the transition to PIP starts for people of working age. The Personal Independent Payment will eventually replace DLA and has different criteria. It is also likely that there will be no lower rate for care needs. In the meantime, it is still DLA.

If you and your husband feel that his care needs have increased, and can evidence this, then you can apply. It is possible that your husband will lose any DLA he currently receives, but you can appeal - obviously this takes time though. You state that your husband is much more ill now, but DLA isn't awarded for an illness, disability, or medical condition, only for the care and/or mobility needs that arise from it.

Coolish2

kingfisherblue wrote: »

You can still apply for DLA, and yes, people are still awarded it. Next year, the transition to PIP starts for people of working age. The Personal Independent Payment will eventually replace DLA and has different criteria. It is also likely that there will be no lower rate for care needs. In the meantime, it is still DLA.

If you and your husband feel that his care needs have increased, and can evidence this, then you can apply. It is possible that your husband will lose any DLA he currently receives, but you can appeal - obviously this takes time though. You state that your husband is much more ill now, but DLA isn't awarded for an illness, disability, or medical condition, only for the care and/or mobility needs that arise from it.

Yes thats why I'm trying to get the care component for the much increased amount of care he now needs.

Richie-from-the-Boro

I take it that you want your other half moved from the current DLALRC to DLAMRC and its passported other benefits. This because with the move to PIP beginning next year the DLALRC will disappear under PIPDLC.

"""Those who will not get Personal Independence Payment are most likely to be people with conditions that have a low impact on their day to day lives and who have a high level of participation in society without needing expensive aids and appliances or a lot of help from others."""

rogerblack & kingfisherblue have explained (1) its based on the criteria for care needs .. .. not even remotely on his illness and that (2) you always risk having his current award withrawn, soething you should take into consideration.

If you decide to go ahead almost everyone knows its about day & night care, most however only consider 'bodily functions' as in use of the toilet. but that is only a small part of it :

Eating / washing / bathing / dressing, breathing / seeing / communicating and hearing are all bodily functions if he needs help in these areas you should evidence them with as much supporting evidence as you can find.