Eligibility for DLA?

hotblu

Hey Guys and Girls,

I just wondered if anyone had any advice on claiming dla... I have had a look at the mobility & care components. I dont have any mobility issues. Looking at the care side of things I think I could get help with care, albeit the lowest rate, but my only concern is that my only illness is rheumatoid arthritis. Would they look at how this illness affects me, or will they think just because it is one illness I dont't qualify? Any help/advice would genuinely be appreciated.

Regards

Hotblu

lil_me

DLA isn't decided by the conditions suffered, just the needs of the claimant. As always I have one rule, if the worst they can say is no, then it's worth asking.

hotblu

Hey lil_me,

Thanks for advice, guess your right. I downloaded the form about a month ago just to look through... that nearly put me off. Guess will just have to bite the bullet and apply and see what happens.

Regards

Hotblu

wolfehouse

r.a. can affect people differently but can be quite severe. you need to tell them about your worst days.

to avoid the rejection-appeal-cycle get help applying (though you still might need to appeal).
arthritis care is a mine of good information, but you might want to talk to someone at citizens advice to make sure you adress the points they are looking for.
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/Home
you have nothing to lose by applying and you can put in a new application should your condition change (worsen).
phone for a form and any payment granted will be backdated to the date of phonecall. (but there is a time limit to returning that form)

philgee

I've had RA for nearly 12 years now. I've been thinking about looking into claiming and the Arthritis Care site has some good info.

Fortunately, my RA is well under control at the moment, with what I would consider to be minor discomfort, but have been through some very dark times, when I could barely walk.

Looking at the eligibility, I doubt I would qualify for how my disease is at them moment, but if it should worsen again, I will definitely consider applying.

Mojisola

Please don't fill in the form yourself. Get help from an advisor - CAB, DIAL, your council's Welfare Advisor. You have a much higher chance of success if you have help.

Ani-Mate_67

Don't describe your worst day as if you are like that everyday. They are well aware that there are different levels of RA (as there are with many conditions). They will request medical evidence from your GP/consultant. If it gets as far as appeal and you have clearly exaggerated on your claim form then it throws in to doubt everything else you say.

Go to the CAB and get help to complete the form or ring up the Benefit Enquiry Line - the 0800 number is on the claim form. They ask you all the questions and fill in the answers you give then send the form out to you to check and sign.

far

My understanding is you should fill in the form to describe how you are on the worst days. I'd also go with previous advice and get help from a Welfare Rights Officer or similar - your local council or Citizen's Advice Bureau should be able to help here.

lil_me

Incorrect, if you just state how you are on worst days that is not a true account of how your disability effects your daily life, the information provided by medical proffesionals would often contradict you and so would info from a doctor at a DLA medical. If you need to attend a tribunal as Ani-Mate 67 said they would most likely doubt you as soon as it's evident that you have exaggerated your needs. Welfare Rights will tell you to mention the worst days but to make sure its a true account of EVERY DAY. If you don't tell the truth and are awarded benefit based on worst days only, that's fraud.

[Deleted User]

if you start saying that on x days you are like this and on y days like something else you may as well kiss good bye to any hope of being awarded DLA.However the forms do ask how much time and on how many days you need help with various aspects of care/mobility,from this they can build up a picture of eligibilty,its definately the case of the more information you can give the better the chance of a successful claim.
Remember its human nature to be positive about ourselves,so try to be objective,and i would not encourage anyone to lie,but do take time to fill in the application(at least 4 hours is a good idea),then make sure you keep a photocopy of it.

lil_me

My sons have been awarded it when I have been honest (without appeals etc) I have not exaggerated in any way, been honest as to when some days are good/bad and had no problems with claiming. If someone isn't entitled then they aren't entitled, there is no need to exagerate or just state when the disability is at it's worst as they will be caught out.