Applying for DLA, what to expect?

BlondeHeadOn

I have been disabled since 1995 following a neurological illness, and have mobility problems and some problems with things like getting out of the bath etc. (my OH helps!) I have had a blue badge since 2000 (it took me 5 years to admit I needed one!), and this is just renewed automatically each time it expires as my doctor wrote on the form that I have a 'permanent disability'. I also have a RADAR key.

BUT I have never applied for DLA, because
1. I am terrified of doctors/hospitals and thought I might be sent for more tests (eeek!),
2. because I can still work and earn money (self employed), and
3. I tend to assume that there is only so much in a 'benefits pot' to go around - so I might be stopping some other person who needs the DLA more than me from getting it. Oh, and
4. I am a proud and stubborn s.o.b., and have never before liked to admit that I need any help whatsoever!

I have finally admitted defeat though as I am finding it increasingly hard to manage, so have filled out the DLA form (mobility only bit) and sent it off 2 weeks ago.

I am wondering what happens next, and if I will need to be assessed etc. - what happens with one of these? Not looking forward to any reply I get at all - does anyone know what the assessments are like? Will it be a problem that I have been disabled for over 10 years but only just applied for DLA? I'm beginning to wish I hadn't applied now!!!

Can anyone let me know what to expect in my sort of situation?

Morglin

This site gives valuable information about DLA claims:

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/decisions/dladecision.asp

They may write that you need to see an EMP (independent doctor), they may be happy with the evidence they get from your GP/consultant - it's hard to say.

It should take about 12 weeks to get a decision, and if you need to appeal, then use the CAB to help you.


Lin

BlondeHeadOn

Thanks Morglin - I didn't know about the CAB help when appealing - is this usual and in all areas?

Lorna_Bear

Hi,

You say that you are self employed so I presume you have been paying your Tax etc. Therefore you are absolutely entitled to claim help. You have managed brilliantly up till now so don't be so hard on yourself.

When we claimed for our autistic son many years ago we had to see an independant doctor. It was fine , he came to see us in our home and respected our opinion.So try not to worry too much.

Hope you get everything you deserve and hope it is soon,Good luck

Lorna

TOBRUK

Hi BlondeHeadOn, I was like you and did not apply for a few years because I felt I wasn't disabled enough and also did not want to accept help or what I believed to be hand outs etc!

I believe you should have filled in both the mobility and care elements, as you said your OH helps with your care. Anyway, if you get turned down you must appeal and although you may be nervous or feel you don't want to bother you must do this. From what you wrote you have your doctor's support and you did hopefully write him/her down as someone to contact about your condition - this really does help.

Don't worry about it and if you haven't heard anything after 8 weeks just telephone them and they will tell you the situation with your claim.

Good luck and don't be proud - it didn't get me anywhere!

BlondeHeadOn

Thank you so much for your replies, I am sitting here crying now because they are so nice - thank you!

Lorna Bear - yes, I have been paying tax and NI throughout, and TOBRUK yes, I put down my doctors name as a contact, so hopefully all will be okay. I couldn't face the thought of needing my OH to be classified as a 'carer' (:eek: ) so didn't fill this bit in. I hate the thought of being 'needy' at all, which is why it has taken me so long to get round to filling the form in (stupid, I know!)

I have received an acknowledgement letter today from the DWP so they have received my form okay, so I just have to wait now I suppose...

Thank you again for the replies.

Valley's_girl

Hi Blondeheadon
Just wanted to say I know how you feel about hospitals I am the same, I am pleased that you have decided to put in a claim for Dla I just wanted to wish you good luck and look after yourself. :grouphug:
Ally xx

cookie54

i think they are handling them quite fsst at present as we sent my son claim of the week of the 1st bank hoilday in may and were awarded dlc and the money was in the bank by the end of may . i was amazed ..........

Garnet_Gem

My sister was exactly like you, didn't want to admit that her disability was affecting her life. She applied, a doctor came to her house and she had an hour long "interview" that included a medical examination. He was really nice to her and seemed sympathetic. She was awarded lower care DLA. she won't appeal as she thinks that she's lucky to get it. Judging by the amount of people who get turned down, maybe she's right. Good luck.

TOBRUK

BlondeHeadOn wrote: »

are so nice - thank you!

I couldn't face the thought of needing my OH to be classified as a 'carer' (:eek: ) so didn't fill this bit in. I hate the thought of being 'needy' at all, which is why it has taken me so long to get round to filling the form in (stupid, I know!)

Hey don't cry I know it is hard - when I first applied I was nervous and also felt in a way I was giving in and accepting that I had a disability and just did not want to accept it if you know what I mean. I have found it hard to actually ask people for help, I suppose because I am so 'independant' and stubborn.

Although I live alone and have trouble coping with different things I somehow get by. I do get the care element as well as the mobility component, and you say you don't want your OH to be classified as a carer well it doesn't matter what is on paper, he won't have a sticker across his head or anything and no one needs to know about it. When you hopefully get the mobility component I would seriously think about applying for the care component - if you are entitled you should apply and it all helps. Good luck and let us know what happens.;)

BlondeHeadOn

TOBRUK wrote: »

you say you don't want your OH to be classified as a carer well it doesn't matter what is on paper, he won't have a sticker across his head or anything and no one needs to know about it.

Thank you TOBRUK, the idea of my OH having a 'carer' sticker across his head made me giggle a lot, and cheered me up no end! It all suddenly doesn't seem so daunting, if I can laugh about it.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

:T :T