DLA dilemma

OneYorkshireLass

I'm on DLA LRC and LRM for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

In the past few years I've been struggling with a cardiac condition that has fatigue as it's main symptom. The cardiac medication also gives me side-effects such as numbness, fatigue etc. I was told it might resolve itself within months, but I'm still in the same position years later, if not worse ...

The DWP say I should fill in another DLA form as if I were informing them of 'changes'.

As the DWP aren't known for their common sense I'm worried that something might go wrong and they'll review the ASD claim as well and decide I don't qualify anymore. Is this a valid worry?
I think my problems now are even greater than they were before (can't walk far, can't organise a decent meal, can't clean up etc) but have they tightened up on awarding DLA in preparation for PIP?

rogerblack

Yes, it's a valid worry.
There is (almost) no such thing as a 'safe' award.
Any award that is even slightly arguable is at risk of reduction if your case is looked at again.
You can request they only look at the increased needs due to your condition.
This may not be done, and they can look at the entire award again.

OneYorkshireLass

Thanks rogerblack, that's what scares me. Especially as I was surprised to be awarded DLA in the first place. I'd read all the stories about people with ASD's not getting DLA but mine was awarded without any hassle at all.

I don't think I could cope with the stress of having to appeal if it all goes pear-shaped ...

jamil0458

The advice from the DWP is spot-on, it's not a re-assessment. Your 'condition' has changed (got worse apparently) and this appears to be how they have interpreted it, so the correct route is to inform them as it may affect (increase) the amount of award/benefit you could get - you could get a higher rate!

There's no such thing as a 'safe' DLA award these days as with the introduction of the new Welfare Reform Act next year, all DLA claimant's will be required to undergo re-assessment, but in the meantime if they accept your condition has worsened significantly, it could mean a higher award.

Richie-from-the-Boro

"""The DWP say I should fill in another DLA form as if I were informing them of 'changes'."""

- reassessment reappraisal, revaluation, review of the changes from their point of view

not your point of view

- reappraisal of your needs situation then compared to now, they frequently review both .. .. when only one is asked for

Under the forthcoming PIP the care component becomes the “daily living” component, the current 3 rates become only two rates “(1) standard” and “(2) enhanced” [DS1500 exception] , you would have to be fairly confident of getting enough increased points to escape from low rate which disappears under PIP to even consider having your current DLALRC rates reconsidered.