DLA claim for physical disability

Leah_Talbot

I need help filling in the DLA forms on behalf of my son.

He has spina bifida (L1/L2). This means he has no leg function and he was also born with bilateral clubbed feet. For that, he has needed casts, therapy and a foot surgery. He also uses a wheelchair when out and about and wears extensive waist length braces (HKAFOs) at home too. My son also has serious bladder issues as a result of nerve damage. He does not feel anything in his legs either. He has been seen by a pediatric urologist who told us to start catheterizing him (his specialized test results showed he needed it) since he was a baby.
The forms initially perplexed me. What do I write on it? This is a claim for a physical disability only. Do I need to send off a photocopy of his reports from the team who see him? All tips will be appreciated! I have no clue how to answer the questions. Some of them do not apply to him as he has no trouble doing that. Thanks in advance.

NeilCr

Some general advice here

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/help-with-your-dla-claim/help-with-dla-form/

There is a link in there which takes you to a detailed guide

Have you thought about getting help from your local CAB/advice centre?

Leah_Talbot

No but I will ring them up in the morning. Thanks for the link it was helpful!

Alice_Holt

Also this is a useful site:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/disability-living-allowance-dla

There is a c.£20 membership cost to access the guide, but if you haven't a clear idea of how to complete the DLA form, it could be well worth joining.

Remember that the form is about the care needs of your child, and how these (because of the child's conditions) are greater than other children of the same age. So, in addition to detailing your child's difficulties make very clear the help and support you give him.

Be sure to understand the Day / Night / Care throughout the day / significant portion of the day criteria. And fully explain the extent of the additional care needs - frequency, time, etc.

The space on the form is very limited so use additional sheets to give the DWP decision maker a FULL picture. Don't worry about repetition - be sure to make very clear what extra care / attention / supervision your child requires.

If your child is in school, then detail the additional steps taken by the school to ensure his well-being.

Although his disability is physical, it's possible he may need greater encouragement / reassurance etc than other children of his age. If so, then explain this on the form - i.e any extra developmental needs / self esteem / help with play needs.

Include medical evidence and references of medical professionals.

Remember the DWP decision maker (DM) doesn't know your child, so make the form as compelling as possible. Paint the picture for the DM, give them the evidence they need to make the right award. Many claims are rejected simply because there wasn’t enough on the form for benefit to be awarded.

As a general rule for each activity / question:
Detail what problems your child has with this activity, and give examples.
Explain what help / care / supervision your child gets (or would benefit from).
Show why your child should not be expected to do without this help.
Explain how your child’s needs differ from those of other children of the same age.

Good luck.

https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/money-benefits-work-and-childcare/benefits-and-tax-credits/disability-living-allowance/

https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5963105/dla#5

Leah_Talbot

Thanks!

Unfortunately that guide is for those with learning disabilities, I did not find it helpful. I wrote about the fact he has no leg function at all. I also wrote on the form that he has difficulty managing his bowel and bladder. I spent 2-3 hours filling out the form this morning.
I then described in great detail about his bilateral clubbed feet and mentioned the fact he had treatment for that as a baby. I said that he uses a wheelchair for public places and has to wear special leg braces (HKAFOs) at home as well. I even wrote a bit about his appointments and therapy regime too. I detailed how much extra assistance I give him to walk at home.
I hope this is enough. I included photocopies of some of his reports and letters as evidence to support my claim.
What do you use the money for?

I am prepared to take this further if they do not read the application form (lazy people!).

poppy12345

Leah_Talbot wrote: »

Thanks!

Unfortunately that guide is for those with learning disabilities, I did not find it helpful.

Really? did you read the right link posted by Alice? The link i read gave advice about walking and physical conditions as well as learning disabilities. Have another read. https://contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/

Leah_Talbot

Apologies for the confusion!

poppy12345

If your child is still under 3 then you won't be able to claim the mobility part until they reach this age. Of course you can still claim the care part.

Leah_Talbot

When can I expect a response?

poppy12345

Leah_Talbot wrote: »

When can I expect a response?

A response to what? You've been given advice on this thread and your other thread, i'm not sure what other advice you would like.

Alice_Holt

Leah_Talbot wrote: »

Unfortunately that guide is for those with learning disabilities, I did not find it helpful. I wrote about the fact he has no leg function at all. I also wrote on the form that he has difficulty managing his bowel and bladder...

When can I expect a response?

Which guide?

If you are referring to the B & W guides, you will find they have a guide for child DLA awards based on physical difficulties and one on mental health grounds.

The contact a family guide I linked to clearly covers physical grounds (as poppy has pointed out).

Just because you are getting this advice for free on a forum, does not mean that the advice you have been given is worthless and can be discarded. Many forumites have great knowledge and insight about benefits and freely give their time and expertise to help guide others through a complex system.
To get the most from this help requires careful consideration of any authoritative links given, and intelligent interpretation of how this affects their particular situation.

I'm sorry to say I find your comments thoughtless and unhelpful. In contrast it is always gratifying when a forum member engages with the advice and links given, and then goes on ask intelligent question on their issue.
In your previous thread, you were given detailed advice about appealing the DWP decision not to grant an award based on your earlier DLA forms. I can only hope this was of use to others, as you seem to have decided not to respond or engage with these suggestions.