Need advice about DLA please

kittkatt82

Hi,
I'm new to this site but a friend recommended I visit for some advice. Hope someone's able to help..

I'm enquiring about what to do for my dad. He's in his 50s and a type one diaabetic. He has always worked but last year was recommended to give up work by his GP as the stress from his job was making him depressed and affecting his diabetes. He was regularly experiencing hypoglaceamia which was very concerning as he lives alone and was falling down the stairs at night and on one ocassion collapsed in the street, thrashing his head against the pavement.

Luckily his employer were favourable to him and allowed him to finish work with 6 months pay in November. I supported him to put in a claim for DLA which has been declined as they said he's not at risk. His GP said that she could not support the claim as she was only given a 'tick box' reply and on paper his diabetes is functioning well. She couldn't explain that this was supported by him giving up work and is also due to my dad not reporting the severity of the attacks for fear of losing his job in the first place. As such, we have no medical grounds to appeal the DLA decision at present.

The problem is that after the 6 months is up, my dad will have no income. He has money tied up in pensions but if he draws on these he will lose almost half of what he put in and not be able to support him until he reaches retirement age. However the amount would prevent him qualifying for income-related JSA or ESA (if entitled).

He would like to find a part-time job but doesn't think he will get one because of his health. He has now had five serious hypos in the last 4 days which is in part due to stress from worry about what he will do. I am very concerned about him but not sure what to advise. If he continually goes back to his GP he may be able to re-submit a claim for DLA in 6 months time but this will prevent him from getting a job and a risk if the DLA is declined again so we're in a catch 22 situation.

Any thoughts would be really gratefully recieved. Many thanks

satarical

kittkatt82 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm new to this site but a friend recommended I visit for some advice. Hope someone's able to help..

I'm enquiring about what to do for my dad. He's in his 50s and a type one diaabetic. He has always worked but last year was recommended to give up work by his GP as the stress from his job was making him depressed and affecting his diabetes. He was regularly experiencing hypoglaceamia which was very concerning as he lives alone and was falling down the stairs at night and on one ocassion collapsed in the street, thrashing his head against the pavement.

Luckily his employer were favourable to him and allowed him to finish work with 6 months pay in November. I supported him to put in a claim for DLA which has been declined as they said he's not at risk. His GP said that she could not support the claim as she was only given a 'tick box' reply and on paper his diabetes is functioning well. She couldn't explain that this was supported by him giving up work and is also due to my dad not reporting the severity of the attacks for fear of losing his job in the first place. As such, we have no medical grounds to appeal the DLA decision at present.

The problem is that after the 6 months is up, my dad will have no income. He has money tied up in pensions but if he draws on these he will lose almost half of what he put in and not be able to support him until he reaches retirement age. However the amount would prevent him qualifying for income-related JSA or ESA (if entitled).

He would like to find a part-time job but doesn't think he will get one because of his health. He has now had five serious hypos in the last 4 days which is in part due to stress from worry about what he will do. I am very concerned about him but not sure what to advise. If he continually goes back to his GP he may be able to re-submit a claim for DLA in 6 months time but this will prevent him from getting a job and a risk if the DLA is declined again so we're in a catch 22 situation.

Any thoughts would be really gratefully recieved. Many thanks

I would suggest that your dad goes back to the GP and explains in detail what is going on with his diabetes. I have type 1 which is difficult to control simply because the Pancreas has a mind of its own and dumps insulin when it shouldn't.

It sounds to me that you dad is not managing his medication, diet etc very well.

Type 1 is not by itself a disabilty as such, yes it is inconvenient at times but it can be controlled to some larger extent - he just needs help.

DLA for Type 1 is almost unheard of. The complications that it could bring with it may help with the claim.

I would be more inclined to put more effort into dealing with the problems and not thinking about if he can get more money because of it.

As for income, he would be entitled to ESA which will provide him with enough money per week to live quite well on given that he lives on his own.

kittkatt82

Hi, thanks for your reply.

He has always managed the diabetes well with his diet and medication, however over the past year he has been unable to recognise when his sugar levels are dropping in time to act upon it despite regularly testing them, which is why the GP suggested it is due to stress.

The issue is not with trying to claim money, as he wants to work but fears accessing the GP everytime he experiences this will prevent him from getting work which in reality it will. He is now thinking he is going to lose his house etc as a result of not being able to work and claiming the DLA was the last resort.

We tried to be as thorough as possible with the claim, looking at the other effects such as detoriaration of his eyesight, and the need for someone to check on him etc.

I know that they are separate things but I assumed if he did not qualify for DLA he would not for ESA either? Obviously he couldn't try this until after 6 months anyway...

Dunroamin

DLA is not an out of work benefit(it's based on care and mobility needs) so he should try to apply for ESA.

Poppie68

Being seen more often by a GP will not impede his chances of employment. What your father does need to do though is book regular appointments with his diabetic nurse who will help monitor his condition and give him extra support.

mazza111

Either appeal the decision or reapply for DLA if you believe he meets the criteria for it. List the episodes he has had and give dates etc. This may entitle him to a care element of DLA.

I have 3 family members who have type 1 diabetes, 1 of which is out of control, despite watching his diet and blood sugar regularly. He's been hospitalised regularly to try and control it, but alas his pancreas has other ideas. He is in receipt of the care element of DLA.

ESA is a total different kettle of fish. Your father would need to get a fit note from the doctor to state that he's unfit for work, then go through the whole process of the claim. The first 13 weeks would be paid at the assessment rate, then he may need to go for a medical with ATOS, then the fun begins.

It's important to keep notes, especially of his blood sugar readings and episodes that he's having to give as evidence in his favour.

Hope that helps

satarical

mazza111 wrote: »

I have 3 family members who have type 1 diabetes, 1 of which is out of control, despite watching his diet and blood sugar regularly. He's been hospitalised regularly to try and control it, but alas his pancreas has other ideas. He is in receipt of the care element of DLA.

Are they? Well I have major problems trying to control my BS levels - it can be 2 one day and 25 the next with no reason for it. however I do have Chronic Pancreatitis that has caused considerable damage to the Pancreas. It won't work for a few days then all of a sudden it springs back into life for 24 hours - thereby overdosing me with insulin.

I was told by other sufferers both on the Pancreatic forum and Diabetes UK that Type 1 will NOT be accepted as a reason for DLA no matter what - the complications might, but the actual disease, no!!

Given that I never mention it on either my DLA claim or even the ESA claim. I get MRC purely for mental health reasons only, and HRM for spinal and arterial disease problems only.

i will research this more as if you are right, both forums are giving out the wrong info.

ESA is a total different kettle of fish....it's important to keep notes,
especially of his blood sugar readings and episodes that he's having to give as evidence in his favour.

I would be very surprised if either ATOS or the DWP will accept that as independent evidence - anybody could just produce that type of info.