OR Interview - update from this afternoon!

suziewin

Did it this morning- tried to stay calm but did have a cry half way through.

He said despite my son being autistic becuase I dont get carers allowance it wont exempt my car. He is looking into my condition and wants proofs of disability (where am I going to get that?) however Ive been knocked back for DLA despite being on crutches for 12 months now so im not sure whether I will get an exemption. Neither is he so he is getting back to me.

It was talking about the car that made me cry - as I cannot walk far even using crutches and am currently heavily pregnant. How I am supposed to take my son to and from school everyday on the bus with a baby (and no hands free to hold it) I have no idea - and as his school is 12 miles away a taxi is out the question. I am panicking now.

Dont get me wrong - he wasnt nasty - he said they had strict criteria. I even asked that after the baby is born and I would be looking for work would I be allowed for that and he said no because anyone could say that. My previous job was 20 miles away (40 mile round trip) as there are no callcentres round here and that is where my 15 year work experience is. I am gutted.

The other questions were fine and he said as I am on benefits I wouldnt pay anything to my creditors. Im trying to stay positive but I will genuinely suffer hardship if I lose the car.

suziewin

Oh - he also said I would have breached the contract of my mobile phone provider if I havent told them i am BR.

As I held a natwest a/c before going BR, and have the co-op cashminder after going BR he said I could only have 1 a/c. He is now writing to natwest to close it down.

Has anyone else been told this?

silvercar

If your child is statemented and the school is over 2 miles (3 miles for over 8's), the council should be providing transport to and from school for your child. This would probably be a taxi with driver and escort unless there were lots of children making the same journey. There should be a transport for schools section within your council's education department.

suziewin

My child is in a private school transferring to a state school this summer. He is under action plus as the autism was diagnosed after he came out of the state system. He is 16 next month, so under action plus any help with education is greatly reduced. Ive already spoken to them regarding his transfer and this is what Ive been told.

Scarlett.1974

Suzie, I'm sorry I have no real advice for you, but that seems very harsh about the car, with your son having ASD and his school being so very far away Does the car have a very high value? Can you appeal against the decision?

Hopefully someone more knoweldgable will be along soon and will be able to offer some construtive advice for you.

I really feel for you, it seems very unfair.

tigerfeet2006

Suzie is the car worth a lot as that seems harsh? I guess you would get proof from your Dr/specialist.

Did you get help filling in the DLA forms? I would appeal the descion and re-apply and take the forms to the CAB for help filling it in. It's getting the wording right that matters with them.

((((hugs)))

suziewin

Under the DDA since I have had my condition for 12 months im considered disabled. When I applied for DLA last year I did it by myself as I could not get through on the phone to CAB. Ive recently contacted a charity called DIAL who provide advice etc to disabled people and they are contacting my local CAB to help me with my new application. However I am aware with assets the OR moves pretty quickly so they may take the car off me before I can get the award decision.

DIAL are also investigating why I was refused a blue badge as I have had my condition for 12 months with no resolution in sight - yet my wonderful GP has concluded it is a temporary condition. Happy days.

My car is worth under 5K - the OR said if im found to be exempt they would allow 3K and surplus would have to be found by myself via grovelling to parents. If im not exempt the car goes and Im in the poop.

fermi

suziewin wrote: »

My car is worth under 5K - the OR said if im found to be exempt they would allow 3K and surplus would have to be found by myself via grovelling to parents. If im not exempt the car goes and Im in the poop.

So in the best case you would have to hope your parents could pay a little under £2000 for you to keep it?

In that case if they do take the car; could you not plead with your folks to buy a car that you can use with the money that they would have paid the OR for the excess?

It would be a much cheaper car, but at least you would be mobile?

Or have I misunderstood?

I agree that your OR is being a little harsh, but unfortunately it's up to them how they interpret things and use their discretion.

suziewin

My OR just called me back and said I will be exempt. The car will be valued and the excess amount will need to be paid - he didnt say how much at this stage. I am totally elated and have felt a weight lift from my shoulders.
Thank you to you all who posted a reply to my dilemma. I will let you all know in due course how I get on.

Wish I could join a few of you in a celebratory glass of wine but am sticking to a cup of tea. Went to the midwife today and heard the babys heartbeat so if things come in 3's - bring it on. Might sent OH to buy a lottery ticket...lol

Suzie

dalip

yes send him please.Glad your are getting some postitive feedback.Hey if you win please don't forget your friends here.:beer: Dalip