DLA help

mummybear14_2

Any advice please?

I am off work sick at mo and so far GP is unsure what is actually wrong, he's mentioned a few things one possibly MS. This time he has referred me to neurology and I'm waiting on MRI and app to see consultant. This is the third episode of this same sickness in three years.

I'm just wondering is it worth applying for DLA (NI)? I literally, on a bad day, can't get out of bed but as this sickness hasn't been diagnosed I'm not sure if I can't apply for the benefit. Sorry I really don't know how it works and when I phoned the benefits office the lady just said she would send out a form.

Thanks in advance

merlin68

All new claims are done on pip now and you have to score so many points. I doubt that not getting out of bed will get you the required number of points as you get point on what you can and cant do. plus you have to have had problems for six months before claiming.

pmlindyloo

merlin68 wrote: »

All new claims are done on pip now and you have to score so many points. I doubt that not getting out of bed will get you the required number of points as you get point on what you can and cant do. plus you have to have had problems for six months before claiming.

I have to disagree slightly with you.

It seems that the OP has had her disability for a long time - just not diagnosed.

As regards not being able to get out of bed some days - this would impact on her ability to do certain tasks. It would depend on how frequent these episodes occur.

There is, IMHO, a very useful guide here: (the first one, not the easy to read one !)

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/personal-independence-payment-pip

which the OP needs to read and decide whether they would meet the criteria.

mummybear14_2

I have quite a few symptoms which I didn't particularly want to list and was just referring to not being able to get out of bed as one.

This advice I was looking was actually with regard to the sickness not being diagnosed rather than if I am entitled to the benefit because I can't get out of bed and this is the same sickness I've had for three years.

The lady in the benefits office told me that in NI it is still classed as DLA at present.

mummybear14_2

Thanks pmlindyloo.

Yes this is what I mean.

Thanks for the link.

pmlindyloo

I am sorry I did not realise you are in Northern Ireland (thought you were confused and NI was National Insurance - duh!)

PIP is different to DLA so this link would be better

http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/welfare_benefits/filling_in_DLA_forms/Filling%20in%20DLA%20forms%20Factsheet.pdf

I suggest that you get some support if you decide to apply.