Help with child and DLA

Madangie

I have a 15 year old daughter. At the moment she is on lower rate disability and middle rate care.

we have been told suspected narcolepsy, but no diagnosis yet. Been to hospital twice both sleep studies in conclusive.

We have now been told she has a right bundle branch block in heart, a possible hole in the heart, and palpatations. She can walk but not very far without getting tired and sleepy or even red spots (in front of her eyes), then then passing out or feeling very vague.

I have re put in DLA form but told stays the same. Now am I right in thinking next year she turns 16, so will be adult, do things change at adult rate?

BigAunty

Not aware of different child or adult rates, just set ones according to the levels/components involved. As an adult, she can claim in her own right (not sure what age this is defined as).

Is anyone claiming Carers Allowance for her?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10012525

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011925

Madangie

Yes I am claiming carers allowance, she also has learning difficulties, aspergis syndrone, and dyslexia. She has no real concept of real life, not been in school for last 3 years but home educated for 1 and a half hours a day for 3 days a week as that is all she can manage

BigAunty

If you are disputing the DLA levels, then perhaps an organisation like DIAL can put you in touch with disability/benefit advisors that can help you appeal. The Turn2us website has a grant search so if you are not managing to meet the cost of any disability needs through DLA you can see if there are charities, etc, that can help you. There's a disability and dosh forum that give you ideas which organisations can provide support, advice, services,etc.

Madangie

I can not get her a bus pass or a blue badge. Council here (Bedfordshire) state you need to be on high rate mobility to qualify. Without diagnosis this is very hard to proove.

She will be 16 in March, moved to adult rate, she can hardly look after herself how is she supposed to fill out a form LOL. She can just about write, doesn't understand alot of questions due to learning difficulties.

BigAunty

Madangie wrote: »

I can not get her a bus pass or a blue badge. Council here (Bedfordshire) state you need to be on high rate mobility to qualify. Without diagnosis this is very hard to proove.

...

Take it up with your MP - they are there to serve you and change policies. DLA is supposed to cover additional costs incurred, such as transport, etc.

Madangie wrote: »

..

She will be 16 in March, moved to adult rate, she can hardly look after herself how is she supposed to fill out a form LOL. She can just about write, doesn't understand alot of questions due to learning difficulties.

I imagine there is a way that a responsible person can help with this, either informally or in an official way - other posters may advise you if there are any mechanisms in place that help claimants with LDs, etc, submit their claims.