DLA first reply

setmefree

Hi
how long is it after you receive your first confirmation letter from DLA ref application, that a decision is made, all it says is we may need more info or we will write to you with our decision.

healy

It can vary depending on the further information that they may require, the DWP state the average is 11 weeks but this is just a guideline.

mookie

Up to 11 weeks, if no decision is made after 6 weeks you will probably receive a standard letter telling you this just to keep you informed. My daughters decision came just before the 11th week.

setmefree

Thanks for replies

setmefree

Well what a joke, just received a letter from DLA stating not entitled to any components, so i phoned them up and explained i will be having an operation to correct my nerve entrapment in my arm this month (ulnar nerve trapped at elbow, constant pins and needles and lack of strength in end two fingers), i explained to her that my arm will be in a splint for three months and that it will take up to 12 months before the strength returns, her reply was well if you can lift a kettle after 4 months you ain't entitled to anything.. and that if i felt the need to claim again i would have to make a new claim after i have had the operation..

lil_me

I think the information you have been given is correct, your needs effected by the surgery can not be claimed for yet because they don't exist yet. From what I remember the needs need to have been there for 3 months and there for a further 6 months minimum to be able to apply. A friend of mine lost an arm from above the elbow in a car accident and they stated at her appeal she can still provide most of her own care needs because she still has one arm, that she could 'lift a kettle' with one arm etc. She is now learning how to take care of herself a bit more managing with one arm but it was initially impossible for her. She has been now awarded lower rate care but that is all.

calleyw

lil_me wrote: »

I think the information you have been given is correct, your needs effected by the surgery can not be claimed for yet because they don't exist yet. From what I remember the needs need to have been there for 3 months and there for a further 6 months minimum to be able to apply. A friend of mine lost an arm from above the elbow in a car accident and they stated at her appeal she can still provide most of her own care needs because she still has one arm, that she could 'lift a kettle' with one arm etc. She is now learning how to take care of herself a bit more managing with one arm but it was initially impossible for her. She has been now awarded lower rate care but that is all.

My husband has no movement in his wrist and or fingers after a stroke and gets lower rate care .

I find that offensive lil_me for an appeal board to say that because she has another arm and hand she can do it all for herself. That is smack in the face. I would make the appeal board go around with one hand tied behind there back and then see how easy life is.

Yes you can only claim after you come out of hospital as my husband was in for nearly 3 months and we did his IB and DLA claim at the same time. The DLA was not back dated as he was getting his care needs taken care of.

Until the surgery happens you don't know what your care needs will be. My mother broke her wrist pretty badly and end up with it being pinned for 12 weeks and it has been well over a year and she still does not have full strength in it and it is doubtful she ever well. And it was never once suggested to her that she should claim DLA for her care needs.

Yours

Calley