DLA review form Rant

Glen_Clark

nightsky224 wrote: »

Oh and he has been deemed safe to drive, he couldn't for a certain period of time after the heart attack but is fine now.

If his heart is 'fine now' (your words) how can you expect to use 'heart problems' (your words) to get DLA?
Sorry to be so blunt, but it seems you want this both ways.

nightsky224

merlin68 wrote: »

Has he notified dvla as he really shouldn't be driving and the insurance wont pay out for undisclosed medical conditions.

There is no reason for him not to be driving. you do not need to notify the DVLA if you have had a heart attack. He did not drive for a while after but can't remember how long. When he broke his hip there was a much longer recovery period for which he did not drive

nightsky224

mazza111 wrote: »

I think what Nightfly means is, that he would have been better getting assessed more often rather than just after 20 years. I actually agree with this, but think that giving life long awards gave people the impression that it was what they say, a life long award.

I've heard that the normal way is to give it for a year, then reassess, then give for a longer period if needed. I do think 20 years is too long, although for some it may be obvious that the person isn't going to get any better, therefore saving money by not reassessing regularly.

When the dd was first awarded it, it was a year she got it for, they deemed that she should get better with physio. A year later she's heading for her first wheelchair. But I'm glad she only got it for a year as her care needs have changed since then (LRC). Don't get me wrong, it does add a lot of stress worrying about it, but better to reassess regularly imo than let the occasional one through who's swinging the lead. I know fraud is low with disability benefits, but you do get the occasional one.

But then I'm all for the WCA for ESA too. I just don't think that ATOS are cut out for the job and should be monitored very closely.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, appreciate your comments. I completely agree that people should be reassesed, it can end up link in your situation being for their benefit too. I don't think he will be entitled to any more (He gets high mobility and low care, he may now be entitled to meduim care but not sure that he is)

Both him and my nan receive DLA and I am scared for them both. My nan is so embarrased and tells no one that she gets it. I think the bad press around scroungers and benefits (not my opinion obvs) makes her think people will think that of her too.

I wish that more people knew about the support you can get to fill theses out. I work with peole with learning disabilities and often families or individuals struggle through alone.

nightsky224

BurnleyBob wrote: »

I notice you said 'stated' in your opening post.

Not that it matters if he has a lifetime exemption in black and white as it's becoming plain that the victims of never ending austerity will include pretty much everyone outside of the banks and multinationals.

Yes thats right (although I am not 100% sure if that is said on just the industrial injury or the DLA as well)

Many of my clients have been taken off DLA when they/their familis filled the forms in alone. When supported by the charity I work for at tribunal stage thankfully they were re awarded.

nightsky224

bloolagoon wrote: »

It's 4weeks following a heart attack - or at least it was when I rang about my family member

Yes that sounds about right :-)

nightsky224

Glen_Clark wrote: »

If his heart is 'fine now' (your words) how can you expect to use 'heart problems' (your words) to get DLA?
Sorry to be so blunt, but it seems you want this both ways.

No sorry I think I misworded. He is fine to drive although still gets very breathless and tired. Although these are not reasons for him to receive DLA these are just things that make his life harder. His spine problems are the main issue compounded by his heart and hip issues. His disability re his spine is more than enough to receive DLA - frankly I think it is amazing that he is able to carry on enjoying life given everything he has been through/has

sunnyone

DLA began 1992 so its impossible for him to be awarded it is 1988.

mazza111

Sorry nightsky, I was dealing with some server stuff and got your name wrong, we have a member called nightfly :rotfl: D'oh! I really shouldn't come and type on here when I haven't had my nap!!!

Wasn't there something prior to DLA? I was pretty sure dad got something like that in 1985 after breaking his back, but I could be mistaken.

nightsky224

sunnyone wrote: »

DLA began 1992 so its impossible for him to be awarded it is 1988.

Sigh! I have no idea what it was called before but I don't think he was reassessed, just moved over.

My point is not was not to discuss if my grandad is entitled to DLA. I believe he is.

My point is that sending out unclear, lengthy forms like this out of the blue is stressful for people. The form is complicated and often people try to complete these with out support and wrongly loose their DLA/don't get in the first place and suffer because of it.

nightsky224

mazza111 wrote: »

Sorry nightsky, I was dealing with some server stuff and got your name wrong, we have a member called nightfly :rotfl: D'oh! I really shouldn't come and type on here when I haven't had my nap!!!

Wasn't there something prior to DLA? I was pretty sure dad got something like that in 1985 after breaking his back, but I could be mistaken.

Yes think there was as he was very adament that he had been receiving it since 1988, he had to go to the tribunal for the care aspect of it.

Thats ok I quite liked nightfly as a username :rotfl:
This benefits thing is such a minefield, wish there was a magic way of sorting it all out....but there isn't! Just a shame he had to get it so near to xmas as he will worry until he hears back. He used to be such a fighter but has lost some of that over the past few year, suppose he just hasn't got the energy.