DLA extras - swallow my pride

maddoglady

Its been a while since I've been on MSE, and things are now very different, so starting with a new name.
I get DLA HRM & HRC, and I'm only getting worse not better in everyday life. But, DLA aside, I haven't claimed anything else I 'm entitled to....but I have now been shafted by the people who should tryst more than anyone in the world so time to swallow my pride, stand up for myself....I just need to take care of me and my girlie (my dog who is not a registered therapy dog as mental health support dogs aren't recognised in the UK).
So applying for blue badge...what else have I been missing out on.
Its not a case of "out for all I can get"...more trying to accept Ineed help to function and its not just going to come and find me...I need to find it.
TIA

Indie_Kid

First off, do you claim ESA or incapacity benefit?

You're also entitled to:
- a car under the motability scheme
- road tax / VED exemption
- a bus pass
- a disabled persons railcard

You may also get concessions on things like leisure centres. If you go to the cinema regularly, you can apply for a CEA card which entitles you to a free ticket for your carer - http://www.ceacard.co.uk/

maddoglady

Don't want the car, as it's something that can be taken without warning, and I'd lose my HRM cash. Checked the cost of a railcard, and I wouldn't use it enough to recoup the cost. I know this sounds bad but, is there anything that doesn't involve me laying out initially, as I can't afford to. Don't laugh, but someone said about a secret toilet key?

925dancer

First of all, you have all my sympathies, I'm in the middle or maybe even the start, of a long battle with my mental health and ma trying to navigate the world of sickness benefits for the first time myself.

I think MIND have a lot of info about things you can get involved in if you so wish in your local area. My local council also has a resource with various groups etc. As I don't leave my flat let alone willingly interact with strangers at the moment, none of these are relelvent to me.

Are you claiming ESA? Once placed in a group, due to your DLA, you may qualify for additional premiums depending on your circumstances.

only_mee

maddoglady wrote: »

Don't laugh, but someone said about a secret toilet key?

Radar key

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-22602836

lemontart

the toilet key is a radar key http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=radar%20key&sprefix=radar+key%2Caps%2C408&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aradar%20key

I have one, all macdonalds disabled loos need one so I have found, as does the one in the little shopping centre at Bletchley - not found a list of where they are - but it is a useful addition and does make things a little easier

Morglin

maddoglady wrote: »

Its been a while since I've been on MSE, and things are now very different, so starting with a new name.
I get DLA HRM & HRC, and I'm only getting worse not better in everyday life. But, DLA aside, I haven't claimed anything else I 'm entitled to....but I have now been shafted by the people who should tryst more than anyone in the world so time to swallow my pride, stand up for myself....I just need to take care of me and my girlie (my dog who is not a registered therapy dog as mental health support dogs aren't recognised in the UK).
So applying for blue badge...what else have I been missing out on.
Its not a case of "out for all I can get"...more trying to accept Ineed help to function and its not just going to come and find me...I need to find it.
TIA

Have you checked on Turn2us website, as DLA can be a passporting benefit to help with things such as housing costs, and other means tested top ups?

Just enter your income etc., on the calculator, and it will list any financial help you may be entitled to.

Lin .)

SandraScarlett

If you go to this site http://www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/scenario.php?csid=332 there is a link for a map showing the locations of loos for the disabled.


xx

only_mee

longtomboy wrote: »

There must be some sort of criteria that you have to pass before you can get one.

Nope you can buy them on amazon

Indie_Kid

longtomboy wrote: »

I'm not being funny, but why would anybody other than those with bowel problems need a Radar key?

er:
- wheelchair users
- people, like me who have severe sensitivity issues which means things like the hand dryer are physically painful
- people with things like severe learning disabilities who need someone with them all the time. That person may be a member of the opposite sex

Indie_Kid

longtomboy wrote: »

Thankyou. I can fully understand the second situation, but not the first.
I take my granddaughter (3) into the ladies and I'm a guy!!

Are you stupid? There's generally no room in a standard toilet for someone to get their wheelchair into the cubicle in the first place. They can't leave it outside the cubicle because it's in the way/