Help - DLA and where to begin?

marjoria

Hello, 

I have a daughter that is asd (assessed in another country but waiting for full dignosis). I have been invited to apply for DLA and carers allowance. Going through the dla form, I am not sure what to put down. My daughter is in school till 1 and taxi brings her home but I have to collect my other children at 3 so we take the bus and she is distressed. she has sensory issues so she doesnt like all the noise during the school rush. I would like for her to get support in terms of something for her to do during the hours of 1 - 4pm. she is isolated in school and at home as she does not like socialising with others but she likes a few sports/hobbies. Essentially, I would like her to get support with interactions and maybe with local clubs for children in similar circumstances.

What do I do/say in the form? I can't afford childcare for her nor for activities? 

Any advice is welcomed. 

Albermarle

As far as I know the award of DLA is based on specific criteria, such as how disabled she actually is according to their rules. 
What you would plan to spend the money on (if you got it), on  local clubs etc. is less relevant to a DLA application AFAIUI
Do you have contact with a social worker? as they may be able to help you fill the form in.

Spoonie_Turtle

Others here will hopefully have experience of Child DLA and will be able to advise further, but in the meantime, you might find these pages helpful:

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

https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/

It is definitely about how their disability affects them rather than why you need to money.

poppy12345

marjoria said:

 I have been invited to apply for DLA and carers allowance.

Just so that you're aware, you can't claim carers allowance unless she's awarded either mid or high rate care DLA. For the DLA claim you need to prove she has more care an attention needs than a child the same age who doesn't have a disability.

marjoria said:

I would like for her to get support in terms of something for her to do during the hours of 1 - 4pm. she is isolated in school and at home as she does not like socialising with others but she likes a few sports/hobbies. Essentially, I would like her to get support with interactions and maybe with local clubs for children in similar circumstances.

What do I do/say in the form? I can't afford childcare for her nor for activities? 

That is irrelevant for a DLA claim.

You need to tell them all about her conditions, how they affect her and the support/care she needs

Savvy_Sue

I don't know if this group would be of any help to you: https://www.neondaisy.org.uk/

Although SW based they may be aware of groups / resources local to you, and there may be some online 'stuff' going on which you / your DD can access. 

Just wondering how old your DD and your other children are? And whether there's any mileage / possibility of seeing if there are schools the others could access which wouldn't require a bus? obviously that's a fairly major move, and maybe the afternoon walk wouldn't be any better, but it's worth considering all the angles. 

Also does your DD have ear defenders? I believe that can help with the overwhelming noise ... 

Spoonie_Turtle

Savvy_Sue said:

Also does your DD have ear defenders? I believe that can help with the overwhelming noise ... 

Ear defenders are the bee knees amazing, an absolute sanity saver.

marcia_

Good DLA guide here for ASD and other neuro conditions https://cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/

marjoria

Thank you all for your imput. I may not have perhaps put it correctly but my intention is not the money necessarily but rather the fact that I don't know what to do and don't have money to take her to a club or similar. Generally I don't know how to put that across in the application. 

marcia_

 There is a section which asks what activities your child attends or would attend if they had the support. It asks what support is needed and how much time it would take 

Savvy_Sue

marcia_ said:

 There is a section which asks what activities your child attends or would attend if they had the support. It asks what support is needed and how much time it would take 

But I think I'd emphasise the amount of extra care and attention your DD needs, compared to most children.

Have you been able to get any help with completing the forms, OP?

JuzaMum

I receive DLA for my daughter with asd who also used to do part time schooling (this is another subject but should not be happening long term). She too had taxi transport for school. As already said you need to show your child has higher care needs than typical for their age. Does she have an EHCP as this will evidence some of her needs. My daughter's previous school provided evidence also (there is a section of the forms for this).