What happens next?

outofmoney

Our eldest is just turning 16 and so his DLA has come up for renewal. He currently gets middle care and low mobility. Before this he had high care, not sure why they dropped it.

Anyway. With all the changes we decided not to go for the renewal, but last minute have changed our minds. We have filled out the forms as although he is capable of writing he sees himself as perfectly fine so will hardly right about all the problems we have.

We got the form in last month and there is still a couple more weeks before his current claim stops.

I know we may not hear anything in time but will he have to see a Dr or have an assessment before they decide as he is now (or will be) over 16 or is it just hit and miss with them. Also, is it possible they will say no anyway and see if we appeal?

I know each case is different but just wanted a rough idea of what to expect next.

ineed

I wouldn't imagine much would change yet if they decide his award will continue, as he will be 16 he'll be treated as an adult claimant and subject to the future benefit changes (PIP) when they come in. He may or may not need a face to face assessment not everyone does. I've never had a face to face assessment it's always been decided on my claim form information, hospital reports and prescription list copy and them phoning up my various doctors. Medical evidence (from the last twelve months) always helps a quick decision in my experience.

I think you might need his permission to claim for him now though(?) I'm not sure of the law on that. If he needs a face to face assessment there might also be a problem if he feels he is fine though and tells them that he feels fine. Why do you disagree with him on that? Does he not understand his condition(s)?

This might help you, http://www.amazebrighton.org.uk/adviceforparents/becominganadult/changestobenefitsat16/

anmarj

if he is not capable of dealing with his affairs you can make a request to the DLA unit to become an appointee for benenit purposes, this would institage an interview with you and your son, and if approved you will be given authority to deal with his claim - ie fill in formr, direct where his money to be paid to. Give them a call and start the process, otherwise they will be looking to your son to deal with things.

Richie-from-the-Boro

The renewal for DLA on behalf of your son is a standard requirement for any child reaching the age [ technical age ] of adulthood. I think you will find that any child receiving benefit, will when reaching the age of adulthood at 16 years will need to be him / herself themselves [ DLA1A ] responsible for the receipt and spending of that benefit income.

A few months before child's 16th birthday parents / guardian are usually sent a form asking if the child can manage their own money. It can be useful to do renewals at this age because its a good time to do a benefit check. It is however unusual to be sent a DLA renewal without the accompanying appointeeship needs being taken care of.

If they say that the child is capable, the benefit will then be in the child's name, it could still go into a parents / guardian's bank account, but all letters will be addressed to the child and they will be responsible for reporting any changes in their situation/condition as well as the money itself.

If parents / guardian's say that the child isn't capable they will get a visit, this is mainly a safeguarding procedure. Someone will visit, meets the child and makes a judgement. Generally there is nothing to be afraid of .. .. they are nice people with the child's best interests at heart and have the discretion to make their own judgements.

DLA renewal usually happens at 16, but not always, and is separate to the appointee-ship issue.

Put simply your son is moving from children's health services to adult health services. From being a child to being an adult. From being children's DLA to adult DLA, its just a legal thing !.You have nothing whatsoever to be afraid of. This is one of only two areas where the system is even remotely kind to people. The DLA renewal and the adulthood checks are done at the same time and on the same visit you and your child have nothing whatsoever to fear.

outofmoney

Thank You. I filled out the forms as he would have left it all blank. We did get him to sign so he is aware that we filled them in. We do not have a diagnosis. He was diagnosed with ADHD then changed their minds. Others have mentioned SCD and possibly PDA. Either way he sees himself as a normal 15/16 year old. The fact he needs constant supervision and cannot go out alone due to no sense of danger does not occur to him as he is under the impression he is fine. Hard to describe but guess someone may understand.

Will wait and see what happens.

ineed

I wish you luck, without medical evidence I think it's more likely that you'll have to go for a face to face assessment unfortunately unless they feel you provided enough information and also they contacted the GP etc.

I'm sorry you haven't had much luck with a proper diagnosis for your son, if you don't mind my saying, you can look into it yourself if your GP etc is less than helpful with a referral. I don't know where in the country you are but try this NHS link for information which might help, scroll down to care trusts and MH trusts for links to places in your area.

outofmoney

Thank You. We went to Drs last year and a referral was supposedly sent to CAHMS in May. Trouble is all our Drs at the practice left at the same time, so we are stuck with a different locum on each visit for the last couple of years. Not 100% sure if he really put it through. But they also have had problems in our area so waiting lists are long.

We are waiting until he is 16 then asking again. If he didn't do it then will look at self referral.

ineed

I hope you manage to get something sorted .

outofmoney

Thank You.

outofmoney

DWP lady has been. Seemed to be happy for us to manage all his finances and paperwork for now. Guess we get a letter to clarify this (or not)?

Richie-from-the-Boro

outofmoney wrote: »

DWP lady has been. Seemed to be happy for us to manage all his finances and paperwork for now. Guess we get a letter to clarify this (or not)?

- you will, you and your child have nothing whatsoever to fear !