DLA - Advice Please...

Ted_Hutchinson

nismum wrote:

. Once your get the benefit if it is at middle care rate or above let tax credit people know as it should increase your allowance or contact Carers Allowance Branch at Castlecourt for a claim form.

You can claim CA at the same time as you claim DLA. As nismum has pointed out the DLA claim may take longer than 3 months and CA can only be backdated 3 months. However claiming in advance (although it will be initially refused) will enable full backdating when the DLA middle care award is in place.

sueh6

Many, many thanks guys for all of the help and advice. I have now sent in the completed claim form, have advised my GP and wait to hear. I will let you all know what the result is.

Sue

sueh6

Many, many thanks to everyone who offered their advice. I have just come off the telephone from the DLA office and they have confirmed that he will be getting an award until at least 16 and will confirm everything in writing. I am so happy for him that I could cry!! Thank you to you lovely people once again.....


Sue x

Penny-Pincher!!

Fantastic!!

Im still awaiting a desision on my DD's DLA re-newal for her poor vision and bed wetting etc. I have everything crossed ATM as I feel she is entitled to it, but hate the waiting and sicky feeling.

PP
xx

donnalove

nismum wrote:

Just a few things about applying for DLA. Usually the person has to have had the condition for six months but I would advise getting the form in as soon as possible. Firstly get someone from a citizens advice bureau, independent advice centre etc to complete the forms. Be prepared to give up at least 1 hour of your time to complete the forms. Also be prepared to be upset as you have to be brutally honest about how horrendous things can be. As the mum of a deaf child and a child with severe asthma I can tell you it can be distressing having to focus on negatives but it's the only way to get the money. Also photocopy your form and show it to your GP as it will be their word that counts, not the social worker, community nurse or teacher. However if you can get your child's consultant to write a letter supporting your claim and get something in writing from teacher, social worker, youth club leader etc this will all help. Do not expect anyone from DLA to contact a social worker, teacher etc I have never known this happen in 20 years working in disability services. Be prepared for a wait of up to 3-4 months before getting a decision, this is normal but keep phoning them to make sure your claim is not lost. In the event of being turned down for the benefit appeal immediately and again contact CAB etc for advice. Once your get the benefit if it is at middle care rate or above let tax credit people know as it should increase your allowance or contact Carers Allowance Branch at Castlecourt for a claim form. However be careful, if you are in receipt of some benefits such as Incapacity benefit you cannot get Carer's Allowance. Best of luck!!

sorry i put this in quote.
but the dla board DO contact teachers this happened to me, i asked them to get in touch with her doctor but they contacted the school as they say the school no her better.
it has also happened to another lady on this site to

Ted_Hutchinson

The BHAS free guides have a Health Professionals checklist at the back which you could use to summarise the facts as you see them and which if copied to the professional concerned may help them to write a report which supports your claims. I'd use both checklists.

• DLA for Children - on physical health grounds
• DLA for Children-on mental health grounds

BenefitsandWork have similar updated guides.
Claiming DLA on physical health grounds for children (52 pages)
Claiming DLA on mental health grounds for children (58 pages)